Katie Couric's Notebook: SAD Story

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie's Notebook

Video:
Notebook: SAD

Hi, everyone.

Feeling the winter blues? You're not alone.

Almost one in five Americans lives with some form of seasonal affected disorder -- known, appropriately enough, by its acronym: SAD.

As days become shorter--and darker--SAD sufferers experience declines in mood, energy, and productivity, symptoms that can last from as early as September to as late as April, depending on where you live -- leading to a seven-month long, yearly depression for millions of people.

Promising research suggests that seasonal affected disorder resembles jet lag in the way it interrupts our sleep cycle and may be treated with tiny doses of melatonin.

But until this new theory is proven, medical experts agree that exposure to high-intensity light boxes--which can replicate summer sunrises--are a big help.

As always, we're urged to resist the temptation to carbo-load in the winter and--difficult as it is--to stick to a regular exercise plan.

That's a page from my notebook.

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by petersemkiw February 6, 2007 4:38 PM EST: Dear Katie, Thanks for focusing attention on a very prevalent problem that afflicts many people during the winter months, and many may think that they are alone in their suffering, and not be aware that there are treatments for SAD that exist and that research such as that at the NIMH continues to go on... I was feeling pretty good with the "greenhouse effect" warm winter we were having, until this icy cold weather started. I think I may be getting a mild case of SAD and a slight cabin fever as well. The reports about the Superbowl from Miami, with the palm trees and water in the background didn't help either.I even shed a tear during the great story you presented about the Afro-Korean football player! It was so moving! Your curls were so beautiful! I hope the Chicago Bears don't get SAD! Like all big bears, they have a tendency to look for warm caves and hibernate in the winter, and especially this year, I bet! I hope they read your posting and get some melatonin and high intensity light box therapy, as well as good exercise,and avoid the carbs, instead of hibernating or getting SAD.Thanks for the good health tips,Dr.Katie! I'm going to follow your advice,too! Keep your health tips coming!; Reply to this comment


by cbevitori February 6, 2007 12:53 PM EST: Super Bowl pre-game show. You looked the best since you left NBC. The curls were fantastic. That's the old Katie. Keep it up.; Reply to this comment


by jcorbin1958 February 6, 2007 9:18 AM EST: I agree. Katie needs to lighten up.; Reply to this comment


by mgtodd February 5, 2007 10:36 PM EST: Katie,
Everyone loves you for many reasons. Your smile, perky personality, quick wit, and dress (light, bright) to name a few. It seems that CBS wants you to look like Johnny Cash to fit the "Anchor" mold. My wife, Carolyn, and I could have our cake AND eat it too if we could have our real Katie back.

Yours truly,

Mike Todd; Reply to this comment