Find a Doctor through the American Medical Association

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association - The SAD Association is a voluntary organization and registered charity which informs the public and health professions about SAD and supports and advises sufferers of the illness.

National Institute of Mental Health "Properly Timed Light, Melatonin Lift Winter Depression by Syncing Rhythms" - A research study on the use of full spectrum light therapy in addition to Melatonin.

NCBI - Research study by Dr. Norman Rosenthal titled "Seasonal Affective Disorder. A Description of the Syndrome and Preliminary Findings with Light Therapy."

Self Test for Seasonal Affective Disorder by Dr. Roman Rosenthal, author of Winter Blues.

Mind.org "Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder"

Rush University Medical Center - Article on the topics of what is Seasonal Affective Disorder, who is affected by SAD, what causes SAD, and treatment of SAD.

Mental Health America - A quick glance at Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it's causes.

Winter Blues, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder

New information on remedies for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including recent advances in light therapy, research on the effectiveness of antidepressants, and new recipes to counterbalance unhealthy winter food cravings. Includes a self-test that readers can use to evaluate their own seasonal mood changes; and offers helpful advice, coping tips, and resources.



If You Think You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder (A Dell Mental Health Guide)

This informative, compassionate guide explains why seasonal depression strikes, tells you how to cope, and best of all, reveals how most people can cure this painful disorder.




Don't Jump! The Northwest Winter Blues Survival Guide

The one thing all Northwesterners--rich, poor, old, young, newcomers, and lifelong residents--can agree on is that winters here are long and dark. This spunky little book will guide you out of your winter funk with equal parts humor, advice, and panache.
Weather got you down?



Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self-Help and Treatment

Popularly known as the "winter blues," Seasonal Affective Disorder is an often misdiagnosed disorder that is caused by a lack of natural light. It can become so disabling that it affects the sufferer's quality of life. This complete sourcebook shows how to cope with and overcome the problem using a variety of strategies.

It's common knowledge that light therapy is a preferred method of treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). With so many light therapy devices on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

First, select the light therapy product that best fits your needs and situation. There are many styles from which to choose: large boxes that give off 10,000 LUX light, smaller boxes that with 5,000 LUX light, desk lamps, floor lamps, and visors.

Larger boxes:

Advantage - brighter 10,000 LUX lights can give you maximum benefits in as little as 20 - 30 minutes a day.

Disadvantage - the box is usually larger and and often bulky.

Smaller Boxes:

Advantage - smaller size makes it easier to move and they lightweight enough to be portable. Some have rechargeable batteries that make them easy to use most anywhere.

Disadvantage - the light is these boxes are usually 5,000 LUX and need to be used for longer periods of time to get the same full advantage of 10,000 LUX lights.

Visors:

Advantages - Convenience, they are very portable. The lights are placed in a visor that is worn like a hat so you're not confined to sitting in one place for 30 minutes to an hour or more each day.

Disadvantage - needs to be used for longer periods of time to get the full benefit of light therapy than larger boxes.

Desk and floor lamps:

Advantage - These lights can do double duty. Use them while watching TV, reading, at work, or on the treadmill.

Disadvantage - usually have to be used for longer periods to get full benefits and they may cause eyestrain or headache if used as only source of light for long periods of time.

You also have choices in the type bulb used in different products. In addition to bright 10,000 or 5,000 LUX, you'll see LED and blue light.

These lights come in a wide price range, so before making a decision, be sure to read about each light carefully and select the one that best fits you need and your budget.">

While light therapy boxes and lamps are widely used for treating seasonal affective disorder, there are a few common-sense things that may help too. Here are a few:

1) Sunlight - Seasonal affective disorder is the result of a chemical change in the brain caused from decreased bright light from the sun. Find the sunniest window in your home and sit in front of it to eat breakfast, have your morning coffee or tea, read the paper...

2) Go for a walk - Many people with winter depression or SAD, feel tired and lethargic. Exercise is the last thing they want to do. However, exercise is good for everyone and it actually helps fight depression.
So go for a 30 minute walk - walk during the day and get another dose of sunlight!

3)Do fun things with family and friends - While one of the symptoms of SAD is not wanting to socialize, isolation can only make the depression worse. Find a friend and go to a movie or better yet, play golf or tennis - you'll get your exercise and you'll get another dose of sunlight!