Shedding light on SAD

[Start Tribune, January 24, 2010] Most Minnesotans can probably relate to the winter morning thought, "I don't want to get up; I just want to stay snuggled in my warm, cozy bed!" But for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), getting out of bed -- and all the routines and responsibilities that follow -- can be a serious challenge in winter months.

SAD is a subcategory under the umbrella of depression, so it has the same symptoms as classic depression, said Alan Steed, a psychologist with Allina Medical Clinic. The difference is that the symptoms occur specifically in the winter months, often starting in fall and ending in spring. Read the full story at startribune.com.

It's not uncommon for winter blues to become something more serious - a recurring depression known as seasonal affective disorder. But there are many simple and effective methods to combat it.