As winter approaches try not to be SAD.

• Position: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Although fall foliage is in full bloom, the stunning sight of the leaves turning colors portends a more ominous change of scenery: "If you happen to find that the dark days of winter produce more personal distress and anxiety than usual, you are not alone," says Richard R. Karges, executive director and CEO of Hopewell Therapeutic Farm, Middlefield, Ohio. "The good news is that these dark days do not have to be a dreaded experience."

The lack of sunlight, along with lots of cold weather, compound the situation. Doctors refer to this condition as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Karges offers four ways to help make winter more enjoyable, meaningful, and rewarding:

* "Light therapy offers some effectiveness. Light therapy boxes are available to imitate the outdoors. They can be purchased without a prescription, but can be costly. The best time to use light therapy is in the morning. Typically, it takes about 30 minutes a day."

* "Seek a clinician who can coach you and figure out if it is indeed SAD or a life-changing event, such as a death in the family, that is the true cause of depression, which can be caused by memories or upcoming events. Sometimes we overlook the time of the year in relation to life events."

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