Winter and Holiday Seasons
Advice from Kenneth G. Alexander

Q. I hate to see the seasons change because it brings long, dark nights of not being able to get out of the house with it.

How can I get over this feeling of dread and malaise that comes with every winter?

A. It sounds as if you are describing SADD (seasonal affective depressive disorder). People who live in regions where there is limited sun exposure (like Cleveland) are more likely to manifest what you described.

For most individuals, it is usually recommended they purchase a full spectrum lamp/light, which supplies the same benefits as sunlight, which in most cases reduce/eliminate the feelings of dead and malaise.

Q. I will be spending another holiday season alone - by choice. I see no reason to run and "make merry" with people who don't bother with me and I don't bother with all year long. Of course then people call me scrooge.

What's your take on the phoniness of the holidays? Is it abnormal not to want to play the game? Thanks

A. People I talk with seem to be getting increasingly "tired" of the commercialism associated at this time of year.

Many seem to think we (as a nation) have lost sight of the "true meaning" of these occasions.

For yourself, I hope that your solitude during this time has the desired amount of spiritual and emotional contentment you seek.