As winter lingers, it may be difficult for some students to focus on their schoolwork, their activities, or their social and interpersonal relationships. This is not uncommon, as they may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

• Experts estimate that about 6 percent of the U.S. population is affected by SAD. This mood disorder related to seasonal variations of light is associated with depressive episodes and is common among young people.

While a specific cause for SAD remains unknown, certain factors are believed to increase a person’s risk of developing it. They include:

• A family history: Blood relatives with SAD or other forms of depression.
• A pre-existing condition of depression or bipolar disorder: Seasonal symptoms may worsen if a personal has one of these conditions.
• Low vitamin D levels: Vitamin D, which is produced in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight, helps boost serotonin activity. A drop in serotonin, which is a brain chemical affecting mood, may play a role in SAD.
• Unbalanced melatonin levels: Changes in seasons can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone that has been linked to SAD.
• Stress: Increased stress levels are associated with the onset of SAD.

Signs of SAD in Students

SAD symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the winter season progresses. They include:

• Feeling listless, said or down most of the day.
• Loss of interest in activities students normally enjoy.
• Low energy or sluggishness.
• Sleep problems.
• Overeating, weight gain, or carbohydrate cravings.
• Difficulty concentrating or processing information.
• Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty.

How to Help

If you’ve spotted SAD symptoms in your students, steps you can take to help include:

• Work with students to identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
• Talk with students about reducing stress in their lives.
• Involve parents or guardians in the conversation. Make sure students are getting the support they need at home.

When communicating with parents and guardians, you may also want to suggest light therapy or further psychotherapy, or suggest these coping tips:

• Change the environment. Remove dark window drapes, paint walls brighter colors or install stronger light bulbs.
• Turn up the heat. Adjust the thermometer, use electric blankets, or encourage hot chocolate and other warm drinks.
• Exercise more. Regular aerobic activity can be helpful. Make sure the activity is something students enjoy, so they are likely to stick with it. Socialization helps too, so team sports or exercising with friends may be beneficial.
• Make dietary modifications. More complex carbohydrates like cereal, pasta and nuts should take precedence over the simple carbs found in sweets.

As we specialize in finding the best career opportunities for counselors and other school-based healthcare professionals, Covelo Group also offers a wealth of related resources as you provide the best possible care and services to your students. Whether it means becoming better in your current role or finding the next one as you advance your career, we’re ready to help.

Contact us today to consider your options or learn more.