New England is known for a lot of things, but one of the most famous is the ever-changing weather. The most treacherous season of the year in New England is most definitely the winter, which at times seems like it will last forever. While some people love the cool winds and powdery snow for skiing, there is another segment of the population that finds the winter unbearable. It is not surprising that a condition has been identified relating to the winter blues.
USA Today reports that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition distinguished by depression, social withdrawal, overeating, and weight gain, and it affects an estimated 15 million people in America. What makes SAD different from other forms of depression is that it is triggered by the change in weather from the long days of summer to the shorter, darker days of winter.
"Because SAD is a disorder that has only been officially recognized for the past 15 years or so, it's something that is difficult to diagnose," says Nancy Baker, associate director of administration and Nursing Health Services at Boston College. "Most times, Seasonal Affective Disorder is diagnosed after a lot of research on the part of the patient's therapist."
Most people experience some sort of winter lull, and students at BC are no exception. After the winter holidays, the gray skies and snowy sidewalks can become a source for contempt and no longer inspires warm, fuzzy feelings.
"Around Christmastime, the winter weather sets the tone for the season, but when it's February and you're getting the third snow storm of winter, it gets to be a bit much," says Sarah Smith, CSON '09. For people who were born in warmer climates, the difference in weather patterns can be extremely difficult to get used to.
Da Hye Kim, A&S '09, from Muscat, Oman, says how different her winter experiences have been since her time in the United States. "I'm from in the Middle East where I basically live in a desert, so it's incredibly different from here. The most depressing thing about the winter is that the trees are dead, and the skies are gray. It's all so bleak sometimes," she says.
2008 Woodie Awards
