“Winter leaves me feeling very depressed and dejected. Is it normal?”

You are right. It sounds like seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression. I don't know where you live, but is common in northern states in the USA or Canada. Treatment with antidepressants may be very helpful. Start in the fall and continue until spring. Many people with this problem use special lights you can buy. They are very powerful lights specifically designed for this condition. They are called day lights, depression lights, or therapy lights. Many styles are available. Very effective.

It is not normal, but is common. You can get rid of it by assessment by psychiatrist and appropriate treatment.

Yes this could indeed be S.A.D. And recommend consult with a psychiatrist for a full evaluation...and there are great options available to help from light box therapy which I highly recommend to my patients for the S.A.D. Sufferers and there are many meds that can be helpful..Wellbutrin is one such med that is cited to be helpful especially with S.A.D. ..Good Luck and get a professional evaluation right away, Dr. Amy

Sure! It can be SAD and if it is severe, you can try some medications and please see a therapist and psychiatrist as well.
All the best.

It really depends on how severe the "blahs" . How much are you bothered?
There is a condition called a seasonal depression that is treated with bright lights. On the other hand , it is not uncommon for people to feel less happy during times when there is less sun. Based on your description, I might try therapeutic lights. aYou can go on line for a more detailed description. If the blahs include suicidal thoughts you should definitely consult a mental health professional for an evaluation.

You are not alone in feeling depressed during the darker and colder months of the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder is usually characterized by depressed mood, lethargy, excessive sleeping and eating, sometimes called atypical symptoms of depression. If you have a window with southern exposure light in your home, I would suggest sitting in that room midmorning for thirty minutes or so to get the direct sunlight.

If you live in an area that is frequently overcast in the winter, you may want to purchase a lamp with at least 10,000 lux luminosity which mimics what you would get from sunlight. Twenty or thirty minutes exposed to this light once a day may help you be less depressed.

Finally, I really encourage exercise to combat depression. It is very helpful and can be achieved indoors on cold days. I hope this is helpful



Doris C. Gundersen MD PC

Medical Director,

Colorado Physician Health Program

President,

Federation of State Physician Health Programs

Assistant Clinical Professor,

Department of Psychiatry,

University of Colorado

425 S. Cherry Street, Suite 630

Denver, Colorado 80246

Ph (303) 717-8516

Fax (303) 399-6069

doris.gundersen@ucdenver.edu<mailto:doris.gundersen@ucdenver.edu>



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Yes, what you describe is diagnosed as Seasonal affective disorder that is commonly seen in cold wet climate areas. Light helps. Staying in bright light helps these patients. Also, medications can help treat the depression symptoms.

Some people have seasonal changes in the cold winters. Some mild antdepressants will help, and people who can afford it I advise going to warm climates, and if they cannot, I advise sun lamps to use frequently until the symptoms subside.

Wellbutrin or bright light (10,000 lumens or lux) with a UV filter