A few weeks ago, I started a discussion threat at Group Beyond Blue called “Surviving Winter.” It’s full of a great suggestions! Among them:
From Marilyn:

I try to keep lots of books and videos around, and try to keep busy so the depression don’t creep its ugly head in. I think coming here will help so we have contact with other people. But mostly I try to keep busy because an idle mind is the devil’s play ground. I try to stay positive and remember it doesn’t last forever.

StillGrowing:

I try to get outside if it’s warm enough. I drink lots of hot tea and keep blankets all over the house. This is the most stressful time of year for me because our academic testing is in the spring, so we are focused on tests and testing skills all the time. I try to get some exercise every day to help. Last year it helped me lose 8 lbs. without really trying – between IBS and exercise.

Giliana:

There is nothing quite like grandkids to provide one with the majority of one’s diet of laughter.

Stardustiam:

I have a lovely sun lamp that needs to be repositioned for optimum effect.

OctoberRose:

If I need to, I up my anti-depressant dose a bit to cope. I force myself to exercise. Swimming at the Y is the most fun for me. Floating in the warm water reduces stress and is such a good boost to my mood. I throw a jacket over my PJ’s in the morning put on my boots and start up the car fifteen minutes before I leave for work. It takes less time to scrape the ice off and it is nice and warm when I get in. I invested in some silk long underwear. It is a nice warm layer against the cold, but not so bulky that I’m too warm in the office. I’m amazed at what a difference it makes. I also save errands to do mid-day when the sun is out. Every little bit helps!

One thing I do year round is sleep with my bedroom blinds open (I live on an upper floor so privacy is not an issue.) My psychiatrist suggested this years ago. He told me the pineal gland (which regulates our diurnal and circadian rhythms) can detect light even through closed eyelids. In the Spring and Summer I wake up before the alarm feeling rested. I have started noticing pink, gold and orange streaks in the sky on clear days when I leave the office at night, before long, the sun will be out before I wake up. Looking forward to Spring!

Lapatosu:

The light box has made a huge difference in my approach to winter. I also have gym membership, and love the pool and visiting with the “regulars” on the treadmill/weight machines. I stick to the part of the gym that is well lit. The daily walks with the dogs, get me outside. Making sure I take the vitamins, especially the B-complex is also important.

Siribi:

For the last 3 weeks or so we’ve had rains and dark clouds. I’m about to crash already. The only thing that brings me out of the dark are my dogs, ’cause I’ve to take them out for walks whatever the weather. I’ve noticed that this takes me a bit out of my funk and self contemplation. I’m also reading some engrossing books, at different times of the day. It’s Thursday and this storm is to continue through the weekend, today I’ve an appointment with my therapist, I don’t feel like going but I’ll have to pay the fee wihether I go or not, so I’m forced to get out, which is very good for me. Had I not dogs, a husband, a therapist or a need to eat once in awhile I’d just stay inside for the duration of this very cold winter in California. I didn’t remember CA this dark or wet!

SunnyGirl52:

How to make myself less depressed: I call someone, laugh, tell some jokes, or just go shopping with a friend. I usually don’t have money to buy anything, but just walking around at the mall, being around the bright lights, and looking in the stores helps to shake me out of my depression.