When I was a child, New Year’s Eve was one of the bluest days of the winter. I remember feeling sad that a year was ending, because I hate goodbyes. Cold weather is my nemesis, and I knew the worst of it lay ahead (with no Christmas celebrations to offset the blahs). My mom worked in a tax office, so my sister and I would be alone much more often beginning January 1. All those reasons had logical explanations—but I didn’t know there is a name for what I was experiencing until I was in my 30’s.

I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s a form of depression that afflicts around 10 million Americans every year, especially in the winter months. The long, dark nights combined with shorter light periods often trigger depression-like symptoms.

I have endured several seasons of depression in the past, and mental illness runs on both sides of my family. I am genetically predisposed to have this problem, year after year.

But I have found ways to fight off these heavy winter blues that strike each November and last through March.

In a series of four posts, I’ll describe the tried-and-true ways I’ve learned to handle SAD, without the use of any medication. I’ll also include faith-based encouragement for each suggestion.