Commons College recently held a 50/50 raffle to raise money in order to help SLU students who suffer from S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder). The goal of the raffle was to raise enough money to purchase at least one Happy Light that could be rented out at ODY for personal usage. Half of the money raised went to the raffle winner, which enticed students to buy tickets. After a week of tabling in the student center, Commons College was able to exceed their goal and will be purchasing two Happy Lights for ODY.
Co-Mental Health Coordinator of Commons College, Lizzy Catherwood ’20 gives insight on the event saying “the idea to do a 50/50 raffle to raise money for ‘Happy Lights’ came from the concern over how students were equipped for the long months of winter here in the North Country. Millions suffer from S.A.D in the U.S. every year and in places like Canton, where we can go days and weeks without seeing the sun, it is so important to make sure we have resources and support on campus in addition to counseling services. Owen Sprau ’21 and I decided to raise money for Happy Lights because they have been proven time and again to help with the symptoms of S.A.D.
“We are looking forward to having them in ODY for free rental because they will be accessible to all students and be in a place that can induce stress and symptoms of S.A.D. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, we will be able to purchase TWO lights!”
For those who aren’t familiar with light therapy, it is a box lamp that gives off bright light, mimicking the concept of natural outdoor light. The light provides supplemental spectrum light that stimulates the body’s natural energies without being exposed to harmful UV rays. For light therapy sessions, doctors recommend using the Happy Light for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning and sitting approximately 11 to 15 inches from the lamp itself.
Sunlight can increase an individual’s serotonin levels which, in turn can make a person happier. Sunlight can be effective at improving happiness levels for those who suffer from S.A.D. It can be described as a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons, beginning and ending at about the same times every year.
Most individuals with S.A.D find their symptoms starting in the fall and continue into winter months. Symptoms can include: fatigue, depression, mood swings and social withdrawal.
This can be extremely relative for those who live in the north country. Canton winters are long and the days are short. This can affect individuals differently.
Co-Mental Health Coordinator of Commons College, Owen Sprau ’21 describes the event as “a great way to spread awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder and create helpful remedies for SLU students.
“As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches in March we want to create constructive conversation on campus to help end the stigma behind mental health; as well as, provide resources and opportunities for students to feel at home here on campus.”