Winter brings more than just cold weather and daylight savings time. Maya Rogers, international business senior, who has been diagnosed with depression since the end of middle school, said that late winter to early summer makes it worse.

“When I’m emotionally down I tend to lose my motivation to work. I tend to be overly critical of myself for not doing better, even though I’m doing the best I can,” Rogers said. “I find that depression is worst when you’re alone.”

According to Alicia Bourque, director of the university counseling center, what Rogers is feeling is commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder and is more than just “winter blues” or “cabin fever.”

“SAD is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall, worsening in winter, and ending in spring,” Bourque said. “Seasonal Depression occurs when our bodies have decreased exposure to sunlight, and the internal biological clock that regulates mood, sleep and hormones are shifted.”

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, seasonal depressive disorder is not classified as its own mood disorder but a subset of major depressive episodes. It is more likely in younger people. While there is not confirmed a remedy, light therapy, exercise and prescribed medication can help manage the symptoms.

Rogers said she combats her depression by taking medication and speaking with counselors and her professors here at Loyola.

“I end up needing to explain my situation to professors, and the majority have been helpful in finding ways to help me deal with assignments,” Rogers said.

Rogers said she also tries to keep active and keep close friendships.

“I go to my closest friends and share my feelings, while cooking or shopping helps me relax.”

Along with her plans to graduate this May, Rogers said she wants to keep activism high for SAD.

“For people who don’t suffer from depression or mood disorders, I think it’s important to remember that people who have them are aware about how it makes them behave.”

Rogers urges patience when it comes to having a loved one or friend with depression.

“Try to be understanding but also don’t be afraid to get help if you believe someone needs it,” Rogers said. “I’ve learned it’s better to take one step at a time.”