The winter blues start in the fall and tend to continue through the winter. You may suffer from the winter blues if you have any two of these symptoms throughout that time:

• Feeling more tired than usual
  
• Difficulty waking up in the mornings
  
• Decreased concentration and creative thinking
  
• Incorrectly blaming oneself for things that go wrong
  
• Difficulty performing tasks that normally seem to be easy/enjoyable
  
• Increased craving for foods high in sugar
• A marked diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities
  
• Significant weight loss/gain
  
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (over-sleeping)
  

The winter blues can usually be treated without drugs. Some easy suggestions for help include:

• Increase the amount of light in your house and bedroom.
  
• Exercise regularly
  
• Go outdoors in the early morning to get fresh air and sunlight
  
• Avoid high sugar foods and make healthy eating choices
  
• Evaluate whether your depression may be a cry from your soul for something missing. Spiritual activities may help in this case.
  
• Talk to your doctor about drug treatment if the depression becomes extreme or lasts greater than six weeks without improvement.
  
  

Michelle Herbert Thomas, PharmD, CDE
Clinical Director, Richmond Apothecaries, Inc.
Rev. 1/2010