Weather can ruin your plans for a family picnic and send you running for shelter. Weather can change your mind about staying inside for the day and have you packing your towel and sunscreen. The weather can change the course of our day in only a second, but does it affect people directly? Can changes in the weather cause moods to swing? The answer is yes. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many Americans - over 6% of people experience severe symptoms of SAD.

      Despite Savannah’s location, the weather can still have serious effects on one’s mood. Many people experience cabin fever during the winter months or find themselves eating or sleeping more when the temperature drops. In contrast, others begin to feel cranky, easily irritated, or edgy when the temperature rises and the humidity worsens.

      “Warm weather seems to irritate everyone when it first begins. I know I get agitated. I would much rather it be cold,” said sophomore Chase Matthews. On the other hand , the sunshine makes others feel energized and satisfied whereas rain can trigger feelings of depression, languor and fatigue. These feelings can be especially bad for students who must work through the day despite the symptoms they may be experiencing.

     While these are common responses to the changing seasons for most people, those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) suffer from serious symptoms when summer shifts to fall and on to winter.

     “Cold weather pinches my outlook on the day. I feel drawn in, tired, and defensive. On the other hand, warm weather makes me extremely happy. Early fall and spring are very nice,” says Mrs. Guenther, a Savannah Arts English teacher. This emotional and physical adjustment is triggered by the brain’s hormone level change. It is a response to the change in daylight hours.

     Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to have worse effects on those who work in an office, but has repeatedly shown similar effects on students who spend too much time indoors. The melatonin (the hormone linked to sleep) and serotonin levels (the hormone that triggers happiness) fluctuate, causing the lethargic feelings or sadness.  Serotonin levels increase when you expose your body to sunlight, so in contrast, less daylight can increase feelings of depression. Melatonin is produced in greater quantities when it is dark outside or when days are shorter, so winter can bring sleepiness and fatigue along with the cold weather.

     Although Seasonal Affective Disorder is not recognized by doctors and psychiatrists as a distinct or official disorder, it can be diagnosed as a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder. Therefore, diagnosing SAD in those suffering is important because they may require additional tests. Once physical symptoms of SAD are noticed, the disorder can be diagnosed by a question session with your doctor where they will ask you about your lifestyle, mood, sleeping habits, etc. in addition to diagnosing your physical symptoms.

    There are numerous physical diagnostic symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. The first and most serious symptom are periods of depression that worsen with cold weather and decreased amounts of daylight, followed by periods without severe depression. Second, changes in your sleep pattern or ability to focus may be a sign of SAD if they occur during the fall and winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder can also be diagnosed by a question session with your doctor where they will ask you about your lifestyle, mood, sleeping habits, etc. If you experience symptoms such as these during the winter, you may want to see your doctor for further instruction on how to deal with SAD.

     “When the weather is nice, I feel like a million bucks!” said Sara Foskey, “but when it is cold, I have to work much harder to be in a good mood. Focusing on improving my health usually betters my mood and helps me to focus in school.” Because the effects of SAD can greatly affect your academic performance, you should be aware of the ways to combat the symptoms. First, get plenty of exercise to keep your energy levels up, and if weather permits, exercise outdoors in an effort to adjust to the seasons. Second, try to go to bed earlier. This will help you avoid fatigue and daytime napping, not to mention allow you to reap the mental benefits of daylight. Also, do your homework while there is still daylight. The sunlight will help you to feel energized as well as focused. Lastly, eat healthy foods and make proper nutrition a priority. Avoiding sugary, carbohydrate-packed foods can help you to feel more awake.