Northwestern and Evanston medical providers offer many resources for community members who may be experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder this winter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SAD is induced by the change in seasons, most commonly occurring in the winter. Symptoms include heaviness, brain fog, an increased desire for carbohydrates and lower energy, according to Claudia Rosen, clinical director of Connections Health\u00a0in Evanston.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen somebody begins to feel like they\u2019re failing at something, there is a lot of pressure today to keep things up and perform at a high level,\u201d Rosen said. \u201cI think that difference \u2014 that disparity between the energy and the expectations that one might have for oneself \u2014 can make us feel those seasonal changes even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
One resource to help cope with the disorder is white light therapy, which stimulates natural light that is often lost in the winter mornings, said Mary Liz Jayne-Ballard, senior associate director of NU Recreation. Users often complete everyday tasks or rest while white light indirectly enters their eyes.<\/p>\n
Northwestern students, faculty, staff and members can receive drop-in care at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion\u2019s Wellness Suite. The pavilion offers white light therapy Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe live in the Midwest, where we can\u2019t get (natural light) all the time,\u201d Jayne-Ballard said, adding that the artificial light effectively \u201ccounteracts the reduced exposure to sunlight in the fall, winter and early spring.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other natural ways to alleviate symptoms include getting outside as much as possible, spending time with animals and going to bed and waking up earlier, according to Catherine Boyce, the executive director of Evanston Counseling.<\/p>\n
There are many outdoor activities that remain accessible during the winter months to alleviate symptoms of SAD.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a car, you can go up to the Botanic Gardens. You can go downtown, to the zoo [or] Lincoln Park,\u201d Boyce said. \u201cTrying to get outside and doing as much as you can outside, despite the cold, does help.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is also important to continue to socialize, Rosen said, even if it goes against your natural instincts when it is dark outside and energy is low.<\/p>\n
Residents can also make use of professional help, with some practices providing individualized plans for coping with the disorder. Evanston Counseling and Connections Health are two practices available to residents struggling with the seasonal disorder.<\/p>\n
If SAD is affecting relationships or making it difficult to complete daily activities, Boyce said residents should consider seeking professional support.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving someone to partner with you on, \u2018How do I even decide whether some of those resources I\u2019m trying or some of the strategies I\u2019m trying are actually making a difference?,\u2019\u201d Rosen said. \u201cThat can be very helpful to have someone be able to talk that through and mirror back what\u2019s working, what doesn\u2019t seem to be working and what\u2019s going to make a difference in getting through the winter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Boyce said prescription or over-the-counter medication is also an option if other strategies don\u2019t seem to work.<\/p>\n
As awareness of SAD has increased, according to Rosen, both Evanston Counseling and Connections Health continually extend their support to residents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about pushing through,\u201d Rosen said. \u201cIt is about finding ways to adapt to the cycles of winter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Email:<\/b> [email\u00a0protected]\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Related Stories:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u2014 A new light on wellness: Students use white light therapy and other methods to alleviate seasonal depression symptoms<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mental health support site provides community for students to open up about struggles<\/a><\/p>\n