Do not be surprised if the winter months bring on the “winter blues.”

With the weather getting colder, some people may find they are becoming depressed. A variety of factors contribute to the sudden change in mood, which can be classified as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

“Weather is definitely a big factor, but there are many other factors such as final exams, classes, financial stress and holidays,” said Elizabeth Garcia, a counselor at the Counseling and Student Development Center. “It all depends on the individual’s background and how they deal with things such as stress.”

One common theory behind seasonal depression is the lack of sunshine resulting from shorter days in the winter months.

“Reduced sunlight causes a drop in serotonin, which has a direct relationship with depression,” Garcia said.

Sunlight is also important because it provides much-needed vitamin D.

“Fifteen minutes of sunshine a day is needed to activate vitamin D in the body,” said Martha O’Gorman, Campus Recreation Center dietician. “It is important to take vitamin D in the winter.”

Nature is not the only thing that can cause someone to feel the “winter blues.”

“One thing that can bring people down in January and February is not succeeding in their goals and New Year’s resolutions because their standards are set too high,” O’Gorman said.

“I started working out again about a month ago because with January comes the New Year’s Resolutions,” said Jenny Kutz, a junior nutrition and dietetics major.

One common New Year’s resolution: working out more.

“December, January and February are some of the busiest months for health-related facilities,” said Debbie Madeley, membership development and marketing director for Kishwaukee Family YMCA, 2500 W. Bethany Road.

Finding indoor activities at places such as the YMCA keep people active all-year around.

“Community health is becoming a bigger issue to a lot of people in our area,” Madeley said, adding that it is especially essential because obesity is at an all-time high.

Rather than having a goal to get in shape by spring, one can prepare for activities in the spring like cycling.

“People just come in and say they want to be more active, so we encourage them to take up cycling,” said Tobie DePauw, manager of DeKalb Cyclery and Fitness, 534 E. Lincoln Highway. “We’ve had people come in and say ‘My kid got a new bike for Christmas,’ so they want to get a bike to ride with them.”

There are simple lifestyle changes one can make to remain active during the winter months.

“Take the lifestyle approach rather than getting a pass to the Rec Center, buy a winter hat; that way you can continue with your summer routine of walking, moving and being active,” O’Gorman said, adding that it is important to expend some of the calories consumed from winter’s comfort foods.