January 5, 2015
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that usually begins during late fall and lasts through the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Health Promotion and Wellness has created a map of sunny spots on campus to get your daily dose of natural light to help decrease symptoms of SAD.
Symptoms of SAD may include: depression, anxiety, increased sleep and fatigue, irritability, moodiness, social withdrawal, diminished concentration, and increased appetite with weight gain. But these symptoms can be fought in a variety of ways, including spending some time in the sun, exercise, and eating seasonal foods.
You can find a map of some of the best sunny spots on campus here. For additional information about SAD, please visit the Mayo Clinic website or the National Alliance on Mental Illness website.
It is important to contact a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of SAD and other types of depression. If you think that you or someone you know is depressed, please contact Student Counseling Services for a confidential consultation at (773)702-9800.