Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

As I look out on the heavy snowfall and leaden
skies I am reminded that this is Seasonal
Depression Awareness Month. According
to Medical News Today (12/5/2005), as
many as 10-20% of the population suffer
from this form of depressive illness also
known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Help is available! A SAD web page (from
the National Mental Health Information Center
of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Dept. of Health and
Human Services ) explains the symptoms of and
treatment options for SAD, and offers links to information
on related mental health topics.

Related web links:

SAD Association
(International support group web site
with lots of information)

Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center
(Good overview with sources for light therapy equipment)

Westfield State College Counseling Services: SAD Fact Sheet
(Succinct but complete fact sheet. Includes recommendations
for prevention and self-help as well as a list for further reading)