Pacific Northwest Weather Mellows the Mood

When the fall and winter months arrive, they don’t just bring leaves, snow and rain. They bring months of grey cloudy weather and with the clouds comes something else. The lack of vitamin D and sunlight during these times brings Seasonal Affective Disorder to many people in Washington state and other regions with similar climates.  

Dr. Adkisson a psychology instructor here at Pierce says that SAD is serious disorder and can have a large impact on a person’s life if not treated. “It can develop into a serious condition if it is ignored or not properly addressed since it may lead to problems functioning at work, school, with family members, and relationships,” he explains. “The disorder has many similar symptoms to depression such as a drop in mood, decreased energy, changes in appetite, and less drive to be active outside and accomplish daily tasks,” says Adkisson.

However there are some differences between the two. “Seasonal Affective Disorder is different than Major Depression in that major depression does not have to have an external or environmental cause in order for a person to experience drop in mood. SAD is more often the result of the season change and excessive periods of cloudy weather,” says Adkisson.  SAD is also different in the way that it goes away when the sunlight returns. Adkisson explains, “It is normal for climates like the pacific northwest, it can be treated if needed, and in most cases it goes away as the season changes and you get more sunlight.”  

Many students on campus feel differently about the amount of awareness there is about SAD, but most agree that the disorder is serious. John Warswick just recently graduated from Pierce and works in the multimedia center at the Puyallup campus. He says he knows people who have the disorder and thinks there is not enough awareness about it. “I think there is some awareness, but not enough. It is still possible that people could have it and not know it. The overcast we have here is very unique to the area. I know people who have moved to sunnier states then moved back and it takes them months to readjust,” says Warswick.

Isacc Lawrence a student here at Pierce thinks SAD is serious and common in the area. He thinks there is plenty of awareness. “I think we have more of an awareness here because it is rainy all year,” says Lawrence. “ I kinda think everyone suffers from it a little.  Most people I know feel blue when it is raining,” he says.  

If you think you or someone you know might have SAD, it can be diagnosed and treated. Adkisson says, “I would advise them to talk to a counselor or therapist if it is causing a major problem, get outside and get sunlight whenever it pops up and especially on sunny days, purchase a Vitamin D lamp (seems hokey but they actually work), and recognize that it will likely pass along with the season.”