When the clocks push back an hour for the Daylight Savings switch, many students go to sleep knowing that they will have an extra hour of much needed shut-eye. Yet as we gain one additional hour of sleep, we lose an hour of daylight every day for the next few months. This not only disheartens those of us who enjoy afternoon runs and 6 p.m. sunsets, but also brings about the winter darkness and consequently, Seasonal Affective Disorder.
SAD is a buzzword on campus everyone knows what it means and is familiar with its symptoms. UGAs feature the disorder on bulletin boards throughout residence halls and various health organizations on campus mention the disorder in emails. But when the winter season is in full swing, SAD is rarely discussed in open conversations between people who may be suffering from it.
My freshman Winter was a huge shock and an intense experience. Coming from Miami, I had never been exposed to the bitter cold and such drastic changes in the length of days. I missed my family and the tropical climate at home, and I felt alone in that sentiment. It wasn't until a few weeks into the term that I spoke to a peer about my issues and realized that I wasn't the only one having a difficult time. I was reluctant to express myself to even my closest friends for fear of turning people away or labeling myself as an unhappy person.
As described by Dean of the Tucker Foundation and College Chaplain Richard Crocker ("Voices Crying in the Wilderness," Nov. 4), Dartmouth culture promotes the appearance of happiness. The gimmicky descriptions we bestow on our isolated campus, such as "Camp Dartmouth" or "a cross between Hogwarts and Disneyland," add to the allusion that we are innocently carefree individuals hanging out with each other in the woods.
But Dartmouth, although a very social campus with many strong friendships, is also a rigorous institution in which success is highly emphasized. When the pressures of coursework and doing well in school mix with feelings of loneliness or depression, it can have devastating effects on one's productivity and sociability.
SAD shows its face in many different ways, and there are remedies that can reduce its debilitating effect on a student's experience. During the next few months, keep in contact with new and old friends. Allow yourself to open up to your peers when you need to talk about what you are feeling. Keep your room well lit, and if possible, purchase light bulbs that mimic natural sunlight. Exercise regularly, even though it may be more of a struggle to get to the gym through the snow, and improve your diet to incorporate healthier meals.
For those who have stronger cases of depression or may need professional help, Dick's House offers counseling services. There are group therapy sessions and one-on-one counseling, and there's always a counselor on call. The College Health Service is highly accessible and although it is frequently criticized, Dick's House is full of professionals who are there to help.
Depression is a taboo issue that is rarely acknowledged in modern society. Our campus and health services provide students with excellent educational information about this disorder and manageable ways to better all students' winter experiences. Yet, as a community, we must look out for each other and be aware of not only our emotions, but also those of our peers.
Mental health is not a matter to take lightly. If students are struggling with the stress of classes or the effects of fewer hours of sunshine this winter, they should not be ashamed to talk about their experiences with peers or professionals. Despite the mental toll that winter might take, I also hope that students will realize there is something remarkably beautiful about Dartmouth when it becomes a winter wonderland. Embrace it.
