Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you tend to get the "winter blues," you may have SAD. Here are some ways to help ease seasonal depression:

• Light therapy: Light therapy involves sitting in front of a light box that emits bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. This can help regulate your bodys circadian rhythms and improve your mood.

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors and develop coping strategies to manage them.

• Medications: Antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of SAD, but it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. You may have to try different medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.

• Self-care: Making your environment sunnier and brighter, scheduling reliable times to wake up and go to bed each day, and engaging in enjoyable activities, hobbies, and community service can help improve your mood.

• Alternative medicine: Certain herbal remedies, supplements, or mind-body techniques are sometimes used to try to relieve depression symptoms, though its not clear how effective these treatments are for SAD. Make sure you understand the risks as well as possible benefits if you pursue alternative or complementary therapy.

Its important to take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously and seek help from a healthcare provider as soon as possible.