For the past few years I've been dealing with winter depression. I get very moody and sad, and even the slightest thing can ruin a 'good' mood. This is the first year I've reached out for help, and I should be starting light therapy soon.

My problem is this: I don't know how to deal with depression in the meantime. I've found that being busy or being with friends helps me to not dwell over the issues that make me feel worse. I've got great friends who know about my SAD and always are there to help me, but they'll be leaving town for a few weeks over winter break. I do not want to spend most of my time alone... I already know I'll be dealing with college/financial stress and some boy issues, and I need to take my mind off of them. But the friends I'll be left with are not as close--in fact that only friend in town that I am close to is the boy that confuses me. I don't want to end up brooding over him!

I don't want to fall into a gray depression that I can't get out of, especially over the holidays. I can call my friends but I don't want them to worry. I usually find solace in writing but I desperately do not want to think...and I'm afraid in trying to keep my mind off of everything I'll turn to drinking and partying again, and that never ends well.

I'm new here, but I've read some of the posts and the advice is always helpful. Is there anything I can do to maintain a relatively good mood, or at least not become miserable, when my cure is leaving town? I'm 18, a senior in high school, and a writer, if that matters. I really appreciate your help.