Beating the Winter Blues

EAGAN, Minn., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As many as 20 percent of Americans may suffer from mild Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, with a range of conditions that involve feelings of depression, sad mood, and lack of energy during the winter months and the holiday season.

While it's not uncommon to get a case of the blahs when the days are short and nights are long, for some people the symptoms are severe enough and long- lasting to be considered a psychiatric disorder, says Dr. Greg Korgeski, assistant professor of psychology at Argosy University/Twin Cities in Eagan, Minn.

"People can experience shifts in their moods from day to day, for many reasons. Most of the time, this does not mean they suffer from depression or another mood disorder -- it's just life," Korgeski says. "For some people, however, the shifts can become severe enough and regular enough, that indicates a more severe condition, such as seasonal affective disorder."

According to Dr. Korgeski, researchers have shown that there is a definite link between reduced daylight and SAD. Some of the evidence for this includes the fact that the incidence of SAD goes up in the areas which have reduced sunlight in the winter months, and that it often improves with therapy involving artificial "daylight." The problem tends to be most severe in January and February, probably due to the combination of shorter days and more overcast skies.

Here are some tips in beating the winter blues from Dr. Korgeski:

- Get outdoors in the sun and remain active

- Get plenty of exercise

- Eat a nutritious diet

- Engage in pleasant activities

- Keep a positive mental attitude

Dr. Korgeski emphasizes, "If you feel there is a problem, there may be one. It is always a good idea to consult a mental health professional if you feel there may be a depression that you cannot manage by yourself."

Argosy University/Twin Cities is one of 13 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) campuses and four extension sites across the nation offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in the disciplines of business, education, health sciences, and psychology and behavioral sciences. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.312.263.0456, www.ncahlc.org). SOURCE Argosy University