What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Referred to in popular culture as the “winter blues,” seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects up to 16 million Americans each year with an additional 10-20% of Americans experiencing more mild symptoms.
SAD is a subtype of clinical depression that typically occurs during the winter months and is associated with a reduction in sunlight exposure. Students and staff who are prone to depressive symptoms may be particularly vulnerable to increased feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness during the winter when sunlight hours are shortest.