Depression cell.com - Got the blahs? Winter depression is common, accounting for about 10 percent of major depressions. It can run in families, which suggests it has a genetic basis. And it is most prevalent in northern climates, which suggests that a lack of daylight contributes to the problem.

People who are susceptible to winter depression usually develop symptoms every year, starting gradually in late autumn and building up during the winter months. Like other forms of depression, SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, produces sadness, lethargy and fatigue, loss of interest in people and activities,

 impaired concentration and irritability. But winter depression also leads to oversleeping and overeating, whereas, other forms of depression usually produce insomnia and weight loss.

Even without treatment, winter depression melts away with the arrival of spring. But it can leave you overweight, out of shape, and with strained relationships and employment woes. Treatment can help.

Only one drug, bupropion (Wellbutrin), is specifically approved for SAD, but SSRIs (medications in the Prozac family) and other antidepressants are also effective. And a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a good diet and a strong social network, is bound to help.