Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

During Michigan's long, cold winters, some students experience "winter blues" or more severe seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD symptoms include low mood, lack of energy and increased sleeping and eating.

The most common pattern of SAD is depression in fall or winter with improved mood in the spring. But some people have the opposite pattern, with depression in the summer.

Seasonal affective disorder is more common among people living in northern United States than in the south and more common further from the equator. Among Americans, it is more common in women than men.

If you experience low mood during fall or winter, consider talking to a counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) about treatment options.

For More Information:

MI Talk is a website for UM students with mental health resources such as online screenings for depression and anxiety, skill-building tools, and recorded workshops, lectures and relaxation exercises.

UM Counseling and Psychological Services is students' primary campus resource for mental health services.

UM University Health Service Medical management of common mental health issues.

UM Mental Health Resources links to campus and local resources.

Resources for Stress and Mental Health lists additional campus, local and national resources.

Campus Blues provides information on SAD and other mental health concerns and generally "supports the mental health and well being of individuals as they move through their personal transitions."

Mental Health America on SAD