People who watch America’s mental health compass noticed this year a surge in SAD, seasonal affective disorder, probably due the bad news about the economy pushing people who were borderline over the edge.
With the early onset of Daylight Savings Time on March 8 instead of April, we’d  hope that would subside. But, once SAD is chased away, in walks another set of disorders.
First, SAD is the disorder that causes mild to severe depression as the days get shorter and colder. While the remedy is sitting under lights made to emulate sunshine, that doesn’t put people back to work.
Still, with Daylight Savings Time showing up about two weeks before official spring, all the pleasures and ills are bound to show up early, especially considering this part of winter isn’t going to get much colder than it is now.

THE BAD — Spring brings with it a level of lethargy that comes with a will to relax  and take it easy after surviving another winter. But that can also descend into springtime depression because this year so many folks are being hit by the bad economy or fear they’ll be the next casualties.  Also, any change can trigger depression or anxiety. It’s called situational depression.

THE UGLY — Last year, an early spring made for early allergens. And a lot of folks weren’t ready. Tree pollen and some grasses, after the rains and snows this year, are plotting to make life miserable. Get your prescriptions and shots now.

THE GOOD — Combat these villains with the number one weapon: knowledge. Yep, knowing they’re coming is the first line of defense.  Neither of these maladies are out of your control. First, seasonal disorders (and every season has one) can be relieved and often eliminated by exercise and eating right. PubMed has a fascinating discussion about how exercise helps seasonal mental health disorders, as does psychiatry.com. Then, Eating more protein, fruits and vegetables is another way to pick up your mood. However, a half-hour walk in the sunshine often is better than therapy. Your key is take charge of your own mental health. You might check out Healthguide.org’s mental health toolbox.

If all else fails remember that just because you’re depressed doesn’t mean something is depressing — your life, job, living situation. It often just means something has caused a biochemical imbalance in your nervous system and you need to visit your doctor — just like you would for the flu or an ankle sprain.