One Elon Student Shares Her Experiences with Seasonal Depression

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it is natural for many people to begin feeling more down and sad to see the shorter days. But for some, these feelings are amplified through seasonal affective disorder, SAD, commonly referred to as seasonal depression.

Seasonal depression affects nearly 10 million Americans each year, according to Psychology Today. SAD affects 5%-13% of college students, depending on their campus, says the Bates College Health Center. This statistic implies that several hundred Elon students battle seasonal depression while here on campus.

The Edge spoke to Elon student Ella Bucker, and she shared her experience with seasonal depression while also being a college student.

People everywhere with SAD have different experiences ranging from less interest in socializing to abnormal eating habits, weight loss or gain, difficulty concentrating, etc. Ella shared that she experiences anxiety, hypersensitivity to sensations like touch, lack of motivation, and irritability as her main symptoms.

“My main symptom is irritability, so I start to get annoyed by the little things my friends do, and that feeling is uncontrollable,” Ella says.

Ella shared that her symptoms “come in waves.” She also shared that she has to build herself up to do necessary activities like showering, making her bed, cleaning her room, or beginning her homework. She often finds the motivation to begin these tasks at one point in the day. Still, that period of motivation can be fleeting if she begins to experience another depression wave.

“If I get by another huge wave of it, I have to build myself up to do that task all over again,” Ella says.

These waves of emotions and motivation can take people with SAD all day to complete basic tasks that take most people only a few minutes. Ella shares that it isn’t procrastination but it’s because “she physically does not have the energy” to begin her homework or walk to dinner.

It is important to remember that everyone’s experiences with SAD are different. Some people struggle to find motivation but can carry out their normal activities, but some have days when they can not leave the bed.

Those who battle SAD can seek treatment through talk therapy, light therapy, and medical professionals’ help. Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to help someone with SAD. You can help make their days better by creating a non-judgmental environment and just showing you care about them, whether by making their bed one morning, bringing them a meal, or just taking them off campus to get coffee.

The Edge asked Ella what she wishes people knew about seasonal depression, and she shared that she wishes people knew that it’s common and normal, but also draining.

“Seasonal depression is not us being lazy,” Ella says. “It takes so much more effort for us just to act normal.”

As we have learned this past year, going to college in the middle of a pandemic is a rollercoaster of emotions, even without the addition of depression. That rollercoaster is often harder for people with depression. With this year full of change, the lack of a set schedule, and the fear of the unknown, reach out to your friends and family. Also, start talking about SAD and depression in general. The more we talk about it, the more we can spread awareness and educate people to know that they are not alone.

If you or anyone you know is battling with depression feelings, please reach out to a therapist, medical professional, or Elon’s free counseling services. You can reach out to the counseling center by calling (336) 278-7280.