WINTER WEATHER CAN GET MANY PEOPLE DOWN

In July, Southeast Missouri and the surrounding region could have achieved up to 26,676 minutes of sunshine.

In November, the maximum number of sunny minutes dropped to 18,352. And in December, the maximum dipped still further to 17,989 minutes.

When those precious minutes of daylight start dwindling, local therapists say, the number of clients complaining of depression increases.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder affecting people who experience depression during the fall and winter months, but who function normally during spring and summer.

SAD has long been a recognized phenomenon, whether it was thought of as the "winter blahs" or cabin fever or a full-fledged, crippling depression. But it didn't become an official diagnosis until 1994.

Whatever the disorder is called, therapists have known for years that gloomy winter weather makes for gloomy winter moods.

"I certainly know I have a lot of people who, whether or not they have the full-fledged, diagnostic SAD, will certainly anecdotally say, `I don't feel as well this time of year as I do in July. I'm kind of draggy,'" said Claire Lafoon, a therapist at Community Counseling Center.

Some experts theorize that the lack of sunlight during the winter months causes hormonal imbalances, which in turn cause the depression.

Dr. Ken Callis, a psychologist in private practice, said the hard facts of winter weather -- frigid temperatures and snow -- force people to become less active.

"Exercise seems to be the No. 1 factor in avoiding winter depression," Callis said. "When things get colder and the days get shorter, we assume a more sedentary lifestyle, and that sets us up for a chemical imbalance related to depression."

Exercise is important in treating any kind of depression, seasonal or not, said Robert LeFebvre, a Cape Girardeau therapist. He said he recommends his clients "stay active in any kind of routine they can deal with."

Not all patients are eager to participate in the exercise treatment, Lafoon said. "The symptoms of depression make it difficult to do things you need to do, like exercise," she said.

Some researchers, though, say working up a good sweat can be just as effective as anti-depressants like Prozac, Lafoon added.

Another option available in some areas is light therapy. SAD patients are exposed to very intense lights for prescribed periods of time as a way to "jump start" body chemistry upset by the lack of natural sunlight.

The region will experience a little light therapy over the next few days. After a disagreeable mixture of rain and snow spattered the area on Tuesday, skies were expected to be clearer today, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to near 40. By Thursday, skies should be sunny, with a high near 50.

On Tuesday, rain and snow added up to .02 of an inch accumulation at Cape Girardeau, according to the National Weather Service. The high was 37 and the low 24.

Experts disagree on how effective light therapy is, and why it works, if it does.

Local therapists said research seems to indicate light therapy does some good for SAD patients.

"Obviously our pilgrimages to the Caribbean and Florida in January and February would probably testify to its effectiveness," LeFebvre said.

LeFebvre also recommends his clients avoid substances high in sugar and caffeine "and all the things that tend to add to stress rather than diminish stress."

Rain, snow and generally yucky weather aren't the only things prompting depression this time of year, experts say. The holidays are also major sources of stress for people dealing with grief or family conflicts.

"All those things become intertwined with what might be essentially a biological problem," LeFebvre said.