Got SAD? Top Doc's 5 Tips for Fighting Seasonal Depression

Do the cold dark days of winter get you down? Do you have trouble crawling out of bed in the morning, crave carbs and find yourself opting out of social outings on a regular basis? If so, what you're experiencing is likely more than a case of the winter doldrums. "Seasonal affective disorder is a condition that occurs when the days get short and dark, which happens every winter", says author and renowned psychologist Norman Rosenthal, MD. Internationally recognized for his research on depression, Dr. Rosenthal is responsible for coining the term "seasonal affective disorder" (SAD) and has done extensive research on the subject. He's made it his life's mission to help those who suffer from this common condition, and to help them understand how they can feel their best. We sat down with the doc to learn more about SAD, and to understand what we can do to minimize its effects.

Winter is the proverbial Achilles heel for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder. Many areas of the country experience shorter, colder days with few hours of sunlight, which sends many people's moods plummeting alongside the temperature.

What are the symptoms? Those who suffer from SAD can experience a number of symptoms, including difficulty waking up, low energy, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, withdrawal from family and friends, lack of motivation and overall feelings of depression.

Who's at risk? There are several common factors that contribute to one's risk of SAD:

Gender. There's something about the female biology that makes women two to three times more likely to experience SAD than men.

Genetics. You can blame mom and dad for this one because SAD is likely to be passed down from generation to generation.

Lack of light. Those who live in areas with shorter days and less sunshine are more prone to the disorder.

Stress. Managing kids, work, the house, and bills can amount to a lot of stress. Those who don't manage it well are at higher risk for developing SAD.

What can you do to make it better?

Don't hibernate! When old man winter comes knocking at your door it's instinctive to want to curl up under a warm blanket and sleep your days away. But don't give way to those urges - instead, get up, get out, and get active! Exercise regularly and take walks outside on sunny days.

Watch what you eat. Avoid high impact carbs (anything with high amounts of sugar, corn syrup or bleached flour) and bulk up on complex carbs instead (nuts, vegetables, fruits and proteins will all be beneficial).

Manage stress. If possible, avoid taking on overly stressful projects or responsibilities during the winter months.

Light up your life. Even if it's dark outside, you can flick the switch and bring more light into your life inside. Although there are many specially made lights available that are designed specifically to treat SAD, their high price tags can be enough to put off even the most deserving sufferer. Luckily Dr. Rosenthal says that simply turning on your existing lights inside can have quite an impact on overall mood.

Sweet relief. Many suffers of SAD will gain relief from its side effects right around the same time they bid winter adieu - as days once again become longer, the sun shines more readily and warmer air gives way to elevated moods.

If these tips don't work, Dr. Rosenthal recommends consulting a doctor who can assess your situation and identify a fitting solution to meet your needs.

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