At this point in the year, we are tired of the short days and the darkness we are enduring.

You may be someone who hunkers down for the winter — enjoys more sleep, engages in less outside activity, eats more comfort food and generally feels blue. This is typical for some. For others, these behaviors become exaggerated and accompany other symptoms to become a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

This form of winter depression affects more than a half-million people in the U.S., many remaining undiagnosed and untreated. The time of onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder is consistent for the individual every year, as is its abatement. It usually starts as fall nights get longer, or in early winter, and lasts until late spring or summer.

Symptoms include depression, feeling sluggish, general loss of interest in work and leisure activities, appetite changes (including craving carbohydrates), oversleeping and excessive daytime sleepiness, and withdrawal from social involvement.

These symptoms occur apart from other events at this time: more family holidays, high expectations for good cheer and financial stress due to shopping.

The holiday blues are usually cured by returning to work and family routines. Seasonal Affective Disorder is very treatable and time limited.

However, it is important to be professionally evaluated in an effort to differentiate it from other affective disorders. If you are diagnosed with SAD, here are some suggestions:

• Consult with a therapist for short-term counseling and consideration of medication.

• Increase exposure to light.

• Increase structure in your life.