During this time of year, students may be experiencing nausea, trouble sleeping, or weight loss. It might just feel like a normal reaction to an increase in stress- after all, plenty of people have gone through a heavy semester. However, maybe the friends are good, the teachers are nice, and the marks are high- or at least the same. Maybe the only thing that’s changed is the weather…
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is, believe it or not, a very real thing. While it is less common in the springtime (who doesn’t love warmer weather?), most will experience a sudden drop in mood. It makes sense when looking at the changes experienced in the spring months. The increase in sunlight will offset the hormones serotonin and melatonin, causing loss of appetite, sleep, and weight. At this time of year, it is also natural to feel agitated, restless, and self-conscious. The seasonal change will impact people with normal mood swings.
Fortunately, this disorder comes with treatment! If possible, reducing the amount of work that needs to be done is recommended. The increase in serotonin will already make you feel overwhelmed; staying away from strenuous tasks will help. Of course, summer blues probably won’t get you out of your physics lab. Still, there are other ways to manage mood swings. For instance, during this time it is important to exercise. This will regulate the hormones in the body and help in regaining confidence. However, it is also important to eat properly and get adequate sleep; don’t burn all your calories at once! Meditating, writing out your schedule, and sleep are all excellent for easing the mind as well. With these tips in mind, hopefully the warmer weather can remain something to look forward to!
Written by: Chloe William
Titan Times 