With the fading light and lack of vitamin D, spirits can seem lackluster. According to Heathline, vitamin D is a requirement for elevating moods. For this reason, many can associate winter time with “seasonal depression” or more formally known as seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal depression or SAD can occur for 4-5 months annually and make the colder and darker time periods seem longer than they actually are. In extreme cases, people affected by SAD may need to turn to antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.
The effects of SAD can be significantly seen in adolescents and teens, as the added effects of outside stressors and depressants can make SAD seem more extreme. “I definitely notice a change,” Andre Hill (10) said,” Everything just seems duller.” With the sun staying in the sky for less than 12 hours, students can experience a vitamin D deficiency as the majority of the day is spent indoors due to school hours.
However, several physicians have proposed a solution to combat SAD. Light therapy, which involves a bright light representing the sun to be cast upon the body, has proved to have psychological and physical benefits. “I bought a sunlight lamp during quarantine,” Kate Pierson (10) said,” Sitting in front of it for even 10 minutes a day lightened my mood immensely.” Exposure to light, even artificial ones, can significantly affect the body, and the mind.
Emotionally, SAD can be very traumatic. Those affected by SAD report having symptoms similar to major depression. While diagnosis for SAD is obtainable, many confuse its effects with those of depression. “I just know I always feel defeated during the snowy season,” Joy Martin (11) said,” My energy is depleted.” This can be very common with SAD, to feel drained regardless of reason.
SAD can cause significant changes physically, such as weight gain, fatigue, heavy limbs, and trouble sleeping. Mentally, SAD can affect and cause increased levels of anxiety, loss of interest in regular activities, and inability to concentrate. “While I’m not extremely sad,” Tyler Smith (12) said,” I am extremely exhausted for no reason.”This is common, to have a minority of symptoms of SAD.
While SAD may only affect 5% of the population, a significant amount of people may still suffer from symptoms. WIth a vitamin D deficiency in the winter months, mental and physical reactions may occur in relation to this.