The Christmas celebrations are over and for many the "winter blues" begin. The winter blues, a mild form of Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD), are often strongest in January and February, and it is more common among women. The cause is due to a decreased exposure to sunlight during the fall and winter months. The decrease in light passing through our eyes may cause the serotonin and melatonin chemicals in our brain to become imbalanced. This imbalance may contribute to symptoms of depression. It is different from depression in that it occurs at the same time of year on a regular basis. The key difference between the winter blues and SAD is the severity and duration of the symptoms. The feelings associated with the winter blues may endure a few hours, a day or a week, whereas the feeling associated with SAD remain constant for a minimum of 2 weeks and one may experience a severe depression or many episodes of depression over the winter months. The following symptoms may be indicators of the winter blues or SAD:

• Feeling sad or depressed
• Change in energy level
• Reduced productivity
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty waking in the morning
• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Increased forgetfulness
• Increased lack of self-esteem
• Carbohydrate or sugar cravings (irresistible urge to eat)
• Sleep disturbance (rather than insomnia, difficulty staying awake)

Janet Purdy