With the days getting shorter, some students may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The disorder is a form of depression, said Rebecca Weisenthal, a psychologist at the Counseling & Student Development Center.

“It occurs in some people according to a particular seasonal pattern,” Weisenthal said. “This happens generally during the winter, when there is less light available.”

Weisenthal said people who get depressed seasonally should try to spend time outside.

“Try getting as much outdoor daylight as possible,” Weisenthal said. “This includes exercising outdoors, if possible.”

Senior accounting major Stephanie Bradford said she is unaffected by SAD. Bradford used to live in Alaska where sunlight varies with the season.

“I got used to it getting dark very early in the winter,” Bradford said. “I learned to ignore it.”

Counseling may be needed if someone is severely affected by SAD.

“Some people find they need to take an antidepressant if they have SAD, or they may confuse clinical depression that occurs at certain intervals with SAD,” Weisenthal said.

Weisenthal also said SAD can be developed in the summer, but it is not as likely and may have to do with sensitivity to higher temperatures.