‘Cold Weather Makes Me Feel Like Crap’ — Ask Dr. Harry Fisch

My mood tends to drop with the weather -- How do I avoid getting the winter blues? -- Teddy, 39

Some people are sensitive to light levels and get symptoms of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months.

If you think you are at risk, see a doctor—you’ll want to rule out other potential causes of depression, such as problems in your life, side effects of medications, or excessive use of alcohol or other depressants. Many types of light therapy (also called “phototherapy”) are available and are worth trying because there are no side effects.

If light therapy doesn’t work, you can consider antidepressant medications.

Dr. Harry Fisch is a board certified urologist. He’s here to answer reader questions in an effort to get guys to “man up about health.”