I had a flashback to college tWinterhe other day when I was riding the El around the Loop.

As I sat bundled up in my wool pea coat, gloves and scarf, I noticed a young man wearing shorts and a Loyola University hoodie.

No jacket, and no long pants.

He reminded me of a friend from Calvin - let’s call him “Bob” - who, being from California, frequently wore shorts in the Michigan winter, regardless of what the thermometer said.

And Bob never seemed to have the “winter blues” - instead, he was perpetually cheerful, regardless of season, and would be quick to start a snowball fight.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy for me to stay upbeat in the cold - and I’m not alone. Seasonal affective disorder can even affect people who have no depressive symptoms the rest of the year.

According to WebMD, the disorder is most common in:

  • People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.
  • Women.
  • People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.
  • People who have a close relative with SAD.

    • WebMD says symptoms can include:

  • Feeling sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.
  • Losing interest in your usual activities.
  • Eating more and craving carbohydrate, such as bread and pasta.
  • Gaining weight.
  • Sleeping more and feeling drowsy during the daytime.

    • WKBT in La Crosse, Wis., reports that relief can come from exercise, counseling and light therapy - sitting near a light source or using a special lamp - among other options.

    As for me, I won’t be wearing shorts any time soon - in fact, I just bought a new pair of winter boots and a warm hat.
    But I will try to get some exercise and do other fun things to keep the blues at bay.