It is the dead of winter. Sunlight is at a premium, making all too-brief appearances. Who wouldn’t be a little “blue” now and again? But the last couple of winters, have you struggled with persistent bouts of feeling low that just don’t seem to let up until the warm, sunny days of spring, in Alaska 9 months later?

What you may be experiencing is a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder- also called SAD. Unfortunately, the disorder’s acronym-SAD- may actually contribute to underestimating the seriousness of this form of depression. These seasonal bouts may go way beyond simply feeing sad.

Whether mild or severe, seasonal depression is best handled with help from your family physician Treatments may include the use of light therapy and possibly more traditional treatments for depression, including medication and talk therapy.

‘ Tis the season

Seasonal affective disorder isn’t completely understood. What is known is that it’s more prevalent in northern latitudes where there is decreased daylight for months at a time. Younger people and women are at higher risk of seasonal depression. Other factors that may contribute are heredity, stress and the balance of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).

Signs and symptoms often include:

· Loss of energy

· Cravings for High Carb food, such as sugars and starches

· Anxiety

· Weight gain from overeating

· Headache

· Problem concentrating

Is it what you think it is?

A true diagnosis of seasonal depression should be made by your physician. Typically, symptoms of depression need to have occurred for two consecutive winters seasons that have been followed by symptom- free spring and summer months. In addition, your doctor may want to determine if there were any other explanations for your change in mood of behavior during these blue times. Treatments may include:

Light Therapy ( Phototherapy)

For many, this is the main form of treatment. It involves spending specific amounts of time before a specially designed lamp each day.

Medication-

Antidepressant may be used in combination with light therapy. These influence the level of neurotransmitters that can affect mood. Your physician may prescribe any one of a number of antidepressants, among them selective serotin reuptake inhibitors.

Talk therapy-

This type of therapy helps you identify and modify thought patterns and behaviors that may play apart in contributing to seasonal depression. It is often used in combination with light therapy or medications. Stress reduction and exercise may be incorporated.

Help beyond treatment

In addition to supervised medical treatment, there are other things you can do to manage seasonal depression. Maintaining a regular sleep and wake schedule can be helpful. You can help brighten this time of year by getting out for walks, joining a health club,or dance academy. Exercising regularly will help you to reduce stress and anxiety that may otherwise add to symptoms.