What can I do to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder and the darker days ahead?

Typically, the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder will respond to light therapy, a balanced diet and increased exercise. Most importantly, make sure to maximize the amount of natural light exposure you get each day.  Some people they may find benefit by trying light therapy. There are a variety of different light boxes that can be purchased relatively inexpensively to provide light therapy daily. Other strategies include limiting the amount of alcohol intake and increasing the level of daily exercise while your body transitions to the new time period. While you still may notice the symptoms that you’re having, they usually are not as debilitating as other types of depression, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder. Most importantly, if you are feeling the impact of the seasonal change you are not alone and there is help available!