Some Olympic College students notice a significant change in overall productivity during the Winter Quarter due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, a pattern of seasonal depression experienced by otherwise healthy and happy people.
“My grades dropped from a 3.9 GPA to a 2.7 GPA. I lacked motivation,” said student Melanie Orpilla. “Since the weather has been better, I started exercising again. It’s way easier to wake up to sunshine. I don’t even need an alarm anymore.”
The Mayo Clinic’s Web site said the mechanism commonly thought to be responsible is altered by an increased production of melatonin. According to Paul Susic MA licensed psychologist, 20 to 30 percent of people in the United States may experience some mild form of SAD.
Although the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, the Cleveland Clinic’s Web site said the influence of latitude strongly implies that it is caused by changes in availability to sunlight. One theory suggests the decreased sun exposure causes the biological clock that regulates mood, sleep and hormones to be delayed, running slower over winter.
“I like to hibernate. I’m typically a social person, but during the Winter Quarter I tend to seclude myself more often. My grades were lower due to lack of motivation,” said Malia Speck.
According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD can cause mood changes. Some of which are increased sadness, higher irritability, greater anxiety, social and interpersonal strain, increased sensitivity to social rejection, decreased sex drive and pessimism.
SAD can also have an effect on ones appetite. It can cause a person to overindulge, leading to an increase in cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, inevitably resulting in weight gain.
Physical changes occur as well including heavy feeling arms and legs, daytime tiredness, menstrual difficulties, lower quality of rest, lethargy and fatigue.
The influence on college students is somewhat of a domino effect, which includes changes such as decreased energy, inability to complete homework assignments, lack of confidence in abilities and feelings of depression.
The illness is more prevalent in people who live at higher altitudes and geographical locations farther north or south of the equator, where seasonal alterations are more severe.
There is a change in student participation from the Winter to Spring Quarters. According to John Babbo, he noticed that students arrive later and need more time to get going.
Despite a student not being aware of their condition, SAD may have caused a more sluggish demeanor when it comes to being mentally and physically prepared for class. Consequently, they may have had a more difficult time being attentive during the shortened days.
Even though many feel mild effects of the disorder and notice a change in their enthusiasm for knowledge, few take action.
“In my 24 years, only two students have brought it up,” said John Babbo.
Most students began their day to darkness and after their responsibilities were accomplished, it was dark yet again. Darkness coincides with sleep to some.
SAD resigns in early spring when the darkest months come to an end.
According to Science Daily, “Being outside in pleasant weather really offers a way to re-set your mind-set,” said Matthew Keller, the U-M post-doctoral researcher who led the psychology study.
“Everyone thinks weather affects mood but the biggest tests of this theory in 2000 found no relationship, so we went back and found there are two important variables: how much time you spend outside and what the season is. If you go from winter to spring and spend enough time outside, there’s a noticeable change.”
Ultraviolet rays that lead to skin cancer aid in the release of endorphins. Endorphins alleviate pain, produce euphoria, and can lead to sudden bursts of energy and an overall feeling of pleasure. They also create the euphoric feeling after sex or the energized feeling after a workout.
“As the weather progresses, my outfits do as well,” said Malia Speck.
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