Honestly, I’ve suffered from bouts of depression on and off for my entire life, so feeling a little under the weather emotionally is nothing new. “Hey, it’s normal” my friends would say. “Everyone has their ups and downs—blame it on the season.” Apparently, there is some science to back up that claim, and while in the throes of yet another cyclical downward spiral, I decided to go online to see if it was just me. Sure enough, the Internet is buzzing about something called “SAD”—Seasonal Affective Disorder—and according to the statistics, it affects millions at the same time of year, and yes—it’s winter.

My first stop on the world wide web was www.riverreporter.com, which published a piece on SAD in our December 2016 issue (www.riverreporteronline.com/health-you-and-your-health/winter-blues), in the You and Your Health column by James Lomax, MD. He describes it as “a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter, year after year.” I’m unsure whether I’m considered “normal” at any given time of the year, but pressed on, since there were literally hundreds of links and websites on the topic. Thinking that making a short list of my “symptoms” might help, I put pen to paper and jotted down a few for comparison. Heaviness in the arms and legs, frequent oversleeping, relationship problems, poorer than usual communication skills, weight gain/loss, apathy and general malaise all made it to my list and I got a little depressed just looking at it.

Looking to probe deeper, I continued my search and turned up something called “A Guide to Treating SAD,” written by Arnold Lieber, MD at www.psy.com, a site that claims “30 years of mental health advocacy,” which sounds pretty official. “Life naturally slows down during winter,” Lieber’s article began. “The days grow shorter, light becomes scarce, and we respond by planting ourselves in front of the television or hiding under the covers to stay warm.” Well, duh. “Not exactly rocket science,” I muttered at the computer screen, and decided to ask a few simple questions on the website, beginning with, “what causes SAD?”

Momentarily happy that I had discovered an interactive website that could respond to my personal queries in real time, I read on. “Researchers have yet to uncover the specific cause,” I read, instantly crestfallen and mildly depressed by the response. Determined to learn more, I continued to read further. “We do know, however, that several factors are at play. The reduction in sunlight can throw your biological clock out of whack and reduce levels of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates mood) and melotonin (a chemical which regulates sleep.)”

Hmmm. I’d heard of both of those and checked my medicine cabinet. Sure enough, I found a bottle of melatonin lurking on the shelf and checked the label. It’s described as “an all-natural supplement that works in harmony with your natural sleep cycle to support sound, tranquil sleep.” I immediately took two before realizing that it was only 9 a.m. Oopsie. Concerned that I might get a little woozy, I went back to the computer in search of more answers before the impending desire to nap commenced. Wondering aloud if there were alternatives to taking a pill, I delved further.

“It’s never too late” the automated response claimed. “Seeking treatment can help prevent your symptoms from becoming worse. Consider making an appointment with a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed counselor. Take notes about the frequency and nature of your concerns.”

Less than thrilled with the response and dismissing (at least for now) prescription medication and psychotherapy, I wondered if there might be a more practical solution, so I called my sister who lives in Canada, where it appears that winter lasts for nine months of the year. “Light therapy!” she exclaimed. “I’m telling you, it works!” Also called phototherapy, it involves exposing oneself to light via a special box or lamp which produces similar effects to natural sunlight, triggering chemicals in your brain that help regulate your mood. “Don’t make an impulse buy on the Internet though,” the Internet warned, as if reading my depressed mind. “Consult with your doctor first. You want to make sure you’ve purchased an effective and safe device.” Sigh.

Going back to the (free) advice from my online doctor, I typed away. “What can I do today?” I asked. “You might try going outside,” came his slightly snide response. “Get plenty of sunlight,” he continued, ignoring the root of the problem. “Avoid alcohol, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.” OK, then—looks like lamp shopping is in my future.

Meanwhile, I’ll take solace in knowing that I’m not alone. Now that it’s recognized as “common” by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental (there’s that word again!) Disorders, there is a wealth of information at our fingertips, so I will continue to search for answers that don’t cost money. Meanwhile, I might just have to be patient. After all, the sun will come out tomorrow. Or will it?