Seasonal Affective Disorder: What is it and Resources on Campus to Help Navigate 

Life as a student can be challenging—juggling rigorous courses and heavy workloads with life and career decisions that approach faster with every closing semester.  

In addition to this, many Newhouse students like me also must get accustomed to the changing seasons and temperatures dropping to unfamiliar lows. Because of this, I have experienced some difficulty with classes and schoolwork in the fall and winter. The transition into shorter days with less sunlight has caused changes in my routine and sleep patterns that I sometimes find challenging to adjust to. 

My experiences are part of the symptoms that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) lists as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a form of depression also known as seasonal depression or winter depression. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), this disorder is identified as a type of depression with a seasonal pattern. 

People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring. Psychiatrist Dr. Darren Cotterell, in Pathogenesis and Management of Seasonal Affective Disorder, writes that while up to 5% of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression annually, individuals aged 20 to 30 —the typical age range for college students—are particularly vulnerable. This is an age group already navigating significant stressors like academic pressures, social changes and financial concerns.  

SAD is more than just ‘winter blues.’ The reduced daylight during colder months is linked to biochemical shifts in serotonin and melatonin levels, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning.   

According to APA, SAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression, such as: 

– Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

– Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed

– Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much

– Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

At Syracuse University, the Barnes Center at The Arch provides resources that can help students identify, navigate and manage SAD. This includes but is not limited to: 

– Sports and Recreation spaces 

– The Crowley Family MindSpa which includes access to resources like Light Therapy Box, Massage Chairs, Meditation Resources, Zen Gardens, and more 

– Counseling and Group Counseling 

– Free access to Headspace for customizable support 

– Pet Therapy 

– Honwadiyenawa’sek ‘One Who Helps Them’ with techniques like acupressure, energy work, and spiritual advising 

– Mindfulness resources 

Barriers like stigma around mental health or ignorance about resources can deter us from accessing these services. But the prevalence of SAD highlights the importance of spreading awareness and strategies to navigate it within academic settings. As a student here, I appreciate Syracuse University’s easy access to mental health services and normalizing conversations around the same. I encourage everyone to prioritize mental well-being and seek more information about resources provided by the Barnes Center at The Arch. 

Syracuse University students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000.