As winter approaches, changes are seen all around us: the days get shorter, the temperature gets colder, and the remaining autumn leaves have fallen to the ground. But as the colder months approach, things happen to our bodies, too. These physical and mental changes can seem extremely sudden and overwhelming, but with some explanation, can be more 
fully understood. Physically, the cold impacts our bodies in many ways. Although our bodies are built to withstand many different conditions, some feel that winter affects our bodies the most.
Sage Direct Care family physician Dr. Amanda Dornfeld MD has experience with working with patients during the winter. Seeing the increase in appointments in winter, Dornfeld spoke about what people are doing that makes them feel worse during these colder months.
“People are less likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables which are readily available in the summer and are more likely to eat processed foods,” Dornfeld said. “Often they are less physically active because it is cold outside.”
According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 86 percent of adults say that their activity level changes in the winter, with 58 percent saying that they are less active.
“Staying active is important for people of all ages,” Dornfeld said. “We recommend 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise five days per week.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthy eating can benefit in numerous ways, including boosting immunity, something that is important during the winter sick season.
“While any illnesses can happen at any time, influenza generally is a winter illness with fever, body aches, congestion, and cough,” Dornfeld said. “Viruses which affect the respiratory system are common, like colds.”
According to Mayo Clinic, one of the biggest causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the lack of sunlight.
“Many people have a hard time adjusting to the longer dark hours and shorter daytime hours,” Dornfeld said.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the December sun sets at around 5:30 p.m, compared to June at around 9:15 p.m. This change can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm, which causes sleep loss, also contributing to the symptoms of SAD. Lack of sleep can also lead to loss of energy, causing feelings of fatigue in these winter months. Psychology teacher Rick Sluder observed shifts in students’ moods, and explained the reasoning behind it.
“I definitely see a difference between our students, starting with Daylight Savings Time, during the winter months,” Sluder said. “I am sure some of it is SAD
mixed with different sleeping patterns.”
Math teacher Brad Branham described how his students respond to the changing seasons.
“Students are a little less energetic, miss school more often, and more likely to have missing work in the winter months,” Branham said.
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate (LMHCA) Caylen Mason works with children and adolescents at Columbus Behavioral center, as well as individual and family therapist at Reins to Recovery. Mason explained how SAD is categorized and defined.
“It’s not necessarily listed as a mental diagnosis in the DSM 5, which is what we use for diagnosing, but it is a subcategory of major depressive disorder,” Mason said. “But the thing with SAD that makes it so much more different from your typical depression is that you see it increase during the fall and winter months, for seemingly no reason.”
Mason explained how SAD can come in many different forms, and on many different scales.
“With SAD, it’s very closely linked to Major Depressive Disorder,” Mason said. “It’s just more towards, again like those seasons, it’s just again more toward that. It has to be consistent for at least two to three years.”
A student, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their personal experience with SAD, and how it impacts them.
“I would say [it impacts me] year round, definitely when it starts to get darker super early,” anonymous said. “Then the day’s already over.”
Senior Edgar Perez explained how winter impacts him.
“I feel more alone during the winter,” Perez said.
According to Texas Health Resources, 55 percent of Americans reported feeling winter loneliness.
“It’s colder and I don’t necessarily want to leave my house, so it’s kind of hard to like to connect with people and hang out,” anonymous senior said.
According to Piedmont Healthcare, spending time with friends and family does increase your overall well being. Depression and lack of motivation are closely linked according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Sara Zimmerman, a sociology teacher here, explained how SAD affects her students.
“I do notice a dip in motivation around the winter time,” Zimmerman said. “I think you can see students become more sluggish, have a loss of motivation, or have increased absences.” Zimmerman also mentioned how the geographical location of a student can influence their experience with SAD.
“[The impact of SAD] would depend on how close they are getting to the equator,” Zimmerman said. If they are not having their daylight reduced by a dramatic amount they might not notice as many signs/symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I originally believed Seasonal Affective Disorder had to do with time change and the amount of daylight you were being exposed to.”
Counselor Emily Tucker offered advice for students experiencing SAD.
“They can feel better by doing something they enjoy, going outside in the sunlight, or spending time with friends and family,” Tucker said. “If students are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, they should talk to a trusted adult.”
Dornfeld explained how students can stay active in the winter.
“People can switch to using a treadmill or exercise bike or add walking at Nexus Park to stay warm,” Dornfeld said. “Playing sports on a club team like volleyball or basketball is a great fun way to stay active indoors.”
When exercising, Dornfeld noted the importance of rest.
Staying hydrated and getting enough rest are two of the most important factors in recovering,” Dornfeld said.
Mason offered advice for those experiencing symptoms of SAD.
“Going to your local mental health clinic, even if that’s just starting with going to the school counselor to get that referral, is huge and that can be a way to step in that door,” Mason said.
