11DECEMBER 2017

FOCUS DESIGN BY ALEXA BUSBY

TheHEALTH

Focus

An In-Depth LookAt Student Health

We explore different health aspects affecting students, including Medicaid, vaping, winter

health and students planning to pursue health professions. PG. 11-15

The gloom of wintertime may have a deeper impact, with a much more serious effect than people realize.

BY ALYSSA FORAL

MORE THAN HOLIDAYblues

As winter rears its icy head, people began to talk about the holiday blues. However, those blues may be much more than they seem on the surface. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder that causes a reoccurring seasonal depression during a certain time of year, most commonly wintertime.

SAD is believed to be caused by the lack of sunlight during wintertime, and impacts three million people in the U.S. each year. Even though this disorder is so common it seems to get

brushed off anyways. “I think that so many people

don’t even realize they have it,” school psychologist Ms. Vern Davis said.

Without an official diagnosis, people who have SAD may not realize their array of treatment options. Full spectrum light therapy, to supplements, the treatment possibilities are all around.

Also, without receiving a diagnosis, those with SAD may not realize what to watch out for, such as factors that may worsen the disorder. Isolation, rooms without windows, and not getting enough rest will negatively impact the symptoms of SAD.

“Anything that would worsen the impacts of depression will worsen the impact of SAD,” social counselor Ms. Sheryl VanSteenbergen said.

Sometimes even the simplest

things can help positively impact mood disorders.

“Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night is important,” Davis said. “Some people need five hours, some need eight, it changes from person to person.”

With the widespread impact this disorder has, and with the sunless cold weather approaching, looking out for the signs of SAD is important.

“If they begin to feel more tired and unmotivated I would say talk to a parent because it is very treatable,” VanSteenbergen said. “Visiting a family doctor should be the first step to see if there are any other health issues.”

As the chill of winter approaches and it feels like doom and gloom comes along with it, students must keep a focus on their mental health.

Alexa BusbyPapillion-La Vista High School