By Nicola Staples, Staff Writer
With the rising temperatures and brighter days approaching, people are sick of feeling SAD and are eager for spring. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in the winter when there is a decrease in sunlight, resulting in a drop of serotonin levels. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal, which is common in teens and young adults.
One student explained that they “think some people get SAD because there is less to do and people have to stay home more.” Senior Janasia Buckner found that “homework is hard to manage and it’s harder to play sports” during the colder months.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body to regulate sleep, and it is activated by darkness. Fatigue and depression are also increased during the winter months due to longer hours of darkness, producing more melatonin in the body. Melatonin production eases up in the warmer months due to more brightness, which is why depression may lessen up in spring and summer.
Along with spring break and vacation, it is natural for students to have more energy and excitement in their lives. One sophomore expressed, “I’m looking forward to spring break because I’m ready for the warmer weather.”
With longer days and more sunlight, an influx in energy is natural to occur. “Spring cleaning” is an example of that boost of energy we all get during spring. After being stuck inside all day and having less than 12 hours of daylight, people want to move around and dust off the dark winters. Sophomore Mira Nagampalli shared, “I feel more active in summer as there are so many more things to do.”
Whether you realize it or not, seasonal changes affect everyone’s mood. Hopefully these warmer months ahead will mean more energy, motivation, and fun.