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Seasons of the Mind

How to Beat the Winter Blues

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

January 3, 2006

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Here's a little something to cheer up folks who feel blue in the fall and winter. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, formerly of the National Institutes of Mental Health, has written an excellent book on the seasonal blues. It's called "Seasons of the Mind."

The book describes the winter blues and what you can do about it. For example, Rosenthal recommends a special high-fat, low-carb diet and tells you how to set up a light box. Bright lights have been shown to help people with seasonal depression.

The book also contains the latest research -- for example, Rosenthal points out that some folks develop a severe depression called the "seasonal affective disorder." Others have a milder condition called the "wintertime blues."

What's the difference? Those with the wintertime blues feel a bit down or tired. They may can't sleep right and may crave carbohydrates and put on a few pounds. Despite feeling down, they can carry on at work and in their relationships.

The seasonal affective disorder is more serious. It can affect your functioning at work and in your relationships. You may get so blue you have trouble thinking and eating. You can't sleep properly and you may not go to work or keep up your other activities. You may just want to stay in bed or indoors.

Either way, if you feel down in the winter, see your doctor. Talk helps, as well as bright lights and antidepressants. Pick up Rosenthal's book. If you do all these things, you may turn the winter blues into a brighter color.

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