HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF SAD? It stands for “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” I can tell you this: If you grew up in the “Grey” (Great) Lakes region of our country, you know exactly what it means! Having spent the bulk of my life in this area of the country where the sun refuses to appear from November to April, I am quite familiar with it. And here we are, smack-dab in the middle of this dark season. I can’t believe how climate plays on our emotions and psyche. Take some time and Google “climate and depression.” You won’t believe how many sites deal with it.

A sunny disposition, by definition, is a happy one, and a wintry atmosphere is cheerless. Many folks become somewhat sluggish or gloomy as the days grow short; the annals of the Far North tell repeatedly of cabin fever in the winter and elation under the midnight sun.

Those who study productivity tell us that workers are greatly affected during winter months. Some industries go so far as to install special lighting to enhance the worker’s ability to produce favorable results.

The prevalence of SAD increases as you head north from the equator. Studies indicate that about one or 2% of all people who live in Florida suffer from the disorder, compared with more than 5% in Maryland and a fully 10% in New Hampshire. Taken together, the twin trends of season and latitude strongly suggest a link between SAD and short periods of daylight.

One of the ways my wife and I deal with the Michigan winters is to take a week or two-trip to Florida, the “Sunshine” state. Usually by the time we get back home, I start hearing about Spring Training and my spirits are buoyed.
Can’t afford Florida? Here’s another idea: Lightboxes are a traditionally recommended way to brighten your mood during the darker times of the year. Many specialists say that by subjecting yourself to intense light for a few minutes each day, you'll feel better and more refreshed.
I’ve also heard that some folks cope with Old Man Winter by purchasing a hot tub. They imagine themselves basking in the warmth of the Caribbean. Whatever works.

I read this in the Reader’s Digest: In Ohio, spring is always eagerly awaited after the long, cold winters. When I arrived at work one day in mid-March, I noticed a sign gaily decorated with flowers and butterflies. It read: "Think Spring." The first day of spring blew in with a snowstorm and freezing temperatures, however, and another flowery sign was posted. This time the message read: "Forget Spring. Think Summer."
-- Contributed by Rita Milios

Of course, there are always those individuals who love winter. They can’t wait to get out into all that snow and ice with their skies, skate boards, ice skates, and snow mobiles. Personally, I think they are slightly demented, but that is their choice. I put all that behind me when I became an adult. I know snow is beautiful hanging on the trees, bit it’s not snow that bothers me so much as the absence of the sun.

One last comment about SAD therapy. Some people have found that curling up with a good book (especially a humorous one) will get you through the dark and cold season. With that in mind, let me offer some appropriate information. "The Winter Blues” is a relative term.Use the handy list below to overcome confusion:

65ºF Hawaiians declare a two-blanket night

60ºF Californians put on sweaters (if they can find one)

50ºF Miami residents turn on the heat

45ºF Vermont residents go to outdoor concerts; Californians shiver uncontrollably; Minnesotans go swimming

35ºF Italian cars don't start

30ºF You plan your vacation to Australia

25ºF Ohio water freezes; Californians weep pitiably; Minnesotans eat ice cream

20ºF Politicians begin to talk about the homeless; Miami residents plan vacation further South; Minnesotans work on Tan

15ºF French cars don't start; cat insists on sleeping in your bed with you

10ºF You need jumper cables to get the car going

5ºF American cars don't start

0ºF Minnesotans put on T-shirts

-10ºF German cars don't start; eyes freeze shut when you blink

-15ºF You can cut your breath and use it to build an igloo; Arkansans stick tongue on metal objects

Miami residents cease to exist; Minnesotans have harvest-fest potluck dinner

-20ºF Cat insists on sleeping in pajamas with you; politicians actually do something about the homeless; Minnesotans put on sweat-shirt; Japanese cars don't start

-25ºF Too cold to think; you need jumper cables to get the driver going; Minnesotans shovel snow off roof

-30ºF You plan a two week hot bath; Swedish cars don't start

-40ºF Californians disappear; Minnesotans button second from top button

-50ºF Congressional hot air freezes; Minnesotans roll in snow after sauna