Winter blues : everything you need to know to beat seasonal affective disorder / Norman E. Rosenthal.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 324-325) and index.

Discovering SAD -- All about SAD -- How seasonal are you? -- What causes SAD? -- SAD in children and adolescents -- "Summer SAD" and other afflictions -- Light therapy -- Beyond light therapy: Other ways to help yourself -- Psychotherapy and SAD -- Antidepressant medications -- Meditation for SAD -- A step-by-step guide through the revolving year -- "How can I help?": Advice for family and friends -- A brief history of seasonal time -- Polar tales -- Creating with the seasons -- Winter light: Life beyond SAD.

When the dark days of winter approach, do you feel sluggish and slow? Is it a struggle to get out of bed each morning? Do you have difficulty focusing at work or in relationships, feel down in the dumps, or, worse still, get really depressed? Does it get harder than ever to stick to a healthy diet and control your weight? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Dr. Rosenthal explains step by step how to evaluate your own level of seasonality, get the most out of light boxes and other effective self-help options, and make informed decisions about antidepressants and psychotherapy. This edition features a chapter on different meditation practices and their benefits.