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With fall in full swing, and each day’s amount of sunlight slowly decreasing people are at an increased risk for seasonal-related depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. This seasonal-related depression is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD can often go undiagnosed or be dismissed as the “winter blues’’. Seasonal depression can impact students on campus at Grand View University who might be unaware of this fact.  

Emily Barnes, assistant director of leadership and counseling, plays a key role in supporting students on GV’s campus. Barnes defines SAD as seasonal depression that is impacted by the reduced amount of daylight, the colder days, and the experience of transitioning to indoor time with artificial light. 

Barnes went on to share that she begins to provide students with warnings or a “heads up” each October that the change in season may impact their mood. Barnes also provides practical resources for students here on campus. She always recommends people take vitamin D.  

GV offers free counseling, peer counseling services and other mental health resources on campus. Barnes also recommended that students try to stay connected to nature through plants, or even trips to the botanical center. One practical resource that could help someone navigate the mood swings that come with SAD is a bright light therapy device. HappyLight, a simple desk light, is a full-spectrum light that mimics sunlight for under $30.  

According to Barnes’ research, around 14% of people deal with SAD but what is being done to aid all of those dealing with seasonal depression? 

Dr. Gowri Betrabet Gulwadi, a professor of applied human sciences, is also an architect at the University of Northern Iowa who teaches and trains future architects to see the intersection of design, psychology and mental health. Her goal is to design health-promoting spaces. 

Health-promoting spaces often pertain to light and the lighting within a room that impacts those in the room. 

“That awareness [of light] is what our students take home with [them] through our classes,” Gulwadi said. “Because maybe when you are designing a therapeutic space, you are considering some of those things. What is surrounding you? It’s not just the source of the light but what is the full context?” 

One of her main focuses is on rooms that can provide healthy lighting or devices that promote bright light therapy, similar to the HappyLight.  

“That bright light has the influence of mimicking what our body needs when we have those correct sleep-wake cycles,” Gulwadi said. 

Her work at UNI can change college campuses and medical facilities of the future. Gulwadi shared her dreams of seeing more awareness around lighting and prevention that is centered around “trauma-informed design” and “inclusive environments.” Her ultimate goal is to achieve a healthy balance when it comes to work, rest and time spent outside. 

Gulwadi continues research focusing on design principles that can positively change environments for improved mental health. 

Chiropractic work also plays a key role into the world of mental health with different supports and treatment options for those in need. 

Dr. Allison Fair, a chiropractic care doctor at Iowa Family Chiropractic in Ankeny works with patients who experience SAD. As a chiropractor she believes in the body’s natural power to heal itself. Her work has helped patients by introducing them to chiropractic care and providing resources to vitamins and light therapies. Fair said,“[SAD] is really prevalent in the state of Iowa or in the Midwest and it’s because not only is it dark, but it’s cold.” 

Because darkness contributes to SAD, Fair believes in the importance of consuming more vitamin D during the winter months. Vitamin D helps the body become healthier and more resistant to infection and inflammation. 

“We need sunlight to convert vitamin D in our bodies and vitamin D is a big one for Seasonal Affective Disorder,” Fair said.  

Vitamin D is made by the body’s exposure to sunlight. It is important to take vitamin D during the winter months because there is a greater risk of getting sick due to less sun exposure and people spending less time outside. 

“You can get vitamin D from a lot of leafy greens, but your body can’t process it out of food if it doesn’t have the sunlight. So that’s why you need to supplement with vitamin D,” Fair said. 

Vitamin D deficiency can cause low bone density, increased risk for depression and mood and behavior issues. Low vitamin D can also impair cognitive function and brain health. 

Chiropractic care, Fair says, can help improve mood behaviors, relax the body and relieve stress.  

“You don’t feel like you need to sleep so much, you get up easier in the morning. Chiropractic care gives a good energy boost. Chiropractic care forces you to get the body checked out and makes you feel better,” Fair said. 

Fair provides advice and encouragement for people who may be experiencing SAD,  

“Find someone to talk to. Sometimes it gets to the point where you need help. No one should be too ashamed, embarrassed or nervous to reach out,”