Feeling SAD?

The reduction in the amount of sunlight during the winter can affect mood.  Sometimes that mood change is severe enough to be considered a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.  Does this happen to you or someone you know?  Check this list of symptoms on MentalHealth.gov.

This winter, St. Louis has seemed very grey, though since yesterday's snowfall it is much brighter.  Does the snow reflecting light make any difference?  Ways to address a depressed mood in the winter include exercise, the use of light boxes, and getting outdoors as much as you can when it is light out – or as long as you can stand the cold.

Sometimes, though, it's too much to handle on your own.  Local organizations that can help include

• Grace Hill
• BJC Behavioral Health
• The St. Louis Empowerment Center

Leave your tips and strategies for combating SAD, or just general winter blues, in the comments.