Synopses & Reviews
Review
“I consider
Winter Blues to be the SAD bible. Dr. Rosenthal's brilliant research and words of wisdom have provided the nurturing help that so many people have sought when the change of seasons brings sadness instead of joy. This book is 'must' reading.”--Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, author of
Body for Life for Women and
Fight Fat After Forty"Dr. Rosenthal, a pioneering researcher who helped put seasonal depression on the map, is a also a gifted teacher and storyteller. What do simple algae, hibernating animals, and humans have in common? They all have internal rhythms that respond to the seasons. Follow Dr. Rosenthal as he explores the latest science and treatment of seasonal depression, illustrated with fascinating anecdotes and stories and delivered in his compulsively readable and eloquent style."--Richard A. Friedman, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
"Winter Blues is a wonderful book. It is deeply knowledgeable from a scientific perspective, as one would expect from one of the world's leading authorities on mood disorders, but it is also a delight to read. Dr. Rosenthal writes beautifully about the human side of the seasons and our profound beholdenness to light, while at the same time providing an invaluable guide to handling the seasonal depressions that affect so many individuals."--Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind and Exuberance
"Wonderfully written and full of vital information by an unequaled expert on the subject. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who, like myself, has the winter blues. Read and heed Dr. Rosenthal's advice. It can change your life."--Jean Carper, columnist, USA Weekend, and author of Miracle Cures
"The light therapy that Dr. Rosenthal recommends has made life worth living during December, January, February, and March for 14 years. I take care of my family, feel like a valuable person, and am a productive professional. Now his new chapter, 'Winter Light,' gives me a recipe for celebrating those once-dreaded months."--LaDonna Green Bates, MSW
Synopsis
Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal's indispensable guide for readers who suffer from the "winter blues" is now more useful than ever. This authoritative book presents a wealth of new information on remedies for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including recent advances in light therapy, research on the effectiveness of antidepressants, and new recipes to counterbalance unhealthy winter food cravings. Dr. Rosenthal distinguishes among various degrees of the disorder, ranging from winter blues to full-blown SAD; provides a self-test that readers can use to evaluate their own seasonal mood changes; and offers helpful advice, coping tips, and resources.
Synopsis
Winter isnt a wonderland” for everyone. Every year, millions of us feel our energy levels ebb and spirits fall as the days grow shorter. The condition is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it can cause depression, reduce your productivity, and make it harder to control your appetite. In this no-nonsense, up-to-date survival kit for weathering the winter blues, Dr. Norman Rosenthal explains what causes seasonal mood swings and what you can do about them. A self-test allows you to evaluate your own level of SAD and helps you determine an appropriate plan of action. The book covers an expanded variety of methods proven to help you feel better--including new developments in light therapy, antidepressant medications, and breakthrough self-help strategies. Convenient menus and easy recipes make sticking to a healthy winter diet more enjoyable, and a new section on the benefits of exercise motivates you to stay active even when its gloomy outside. A step-by-step guide helps you organize your yearly schedule to anticipate seasonal changes, and a special chapter for family and friends teaches loved ones effective ways to show support. Like a ray of light on an otherwise cloudy day. Dr. Rosenthals expertise, warmth, and enthusiasm will inspire you to reclaim the winter months and find ways to celebrate even the darkest days of the year.
About the Author
Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, is internationally recognized for his contribution to the understanding and treatment of depression. He is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University, a therapist in private practice, and the author of four books, including
The Emotional Revolution. Dr. Rosenthal served for over 20 years at the National Institute of Mental Health as a researcher in psychiatry and psychobiology, and has been listed in
The Best Doctors in America and the Consumers' Research Council of Americas
Guide to America's Top Psychiatrists. He is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, and has appeared on national television and radio programs, including
Good Morning America, Today, CBS News, and NPR's
Fresh Air and
All Things Considered.
Table of Contents
I. Seasonal Syndromes
1. Introduction: Discovering SAD
2. All About SAD
3. How Seasonal Are You?
4. What Causes SAD?
5. SAD in Children and Adolescents
6 "Summer SAD" and Other Seasonal Afflictions
II. Treatments
7. Light Therapy
8. Beyond Light Therapy: Other Ways to Help Yourself
9. Psychotherapy and SAD
10. Antidepressant Medications
11. A Step-by-Step Guide Through the Revolving Year
12. "How Can I Help?": Advice for Family and Friends
III. Celebrating the Seasons
13. A Brief History of Seasonal Time
14. Polar Tales
15. SAD Through the Ages
16. Creating with the Seasons
17. Words for All Seasons
18. Winter Light: Life Beyond SAD
Afterword: The End of an Era, 1979-1999
IV. Resources
Where to Get Further Help for Seasonal Problems
Dietary Advice, Menus, and Recipes
Further Reading
Appendix A: Daily Mood Log
Appendix B: Core Belief Worksheet