So the season to be jolly is upon us once again and everyone is preparing for the Christmas festivities. But what if winter didn’t evoke feelings of joviality?
As a travel agency, we’re no strangers to the winter blues, but for many people, the winter months bring on episodes of serious depression which last until the season’s end. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition which affects people seasonally and most commonly in those countries with shorter periods of sunlight over the winter months.
It’s not known the exact cause for the condition, but it’s thought that the lack of sunlight inhibits the body’s production of melatonin and serotonin, the two chemicals which can affect mood and sleep cycle.
As with other types of depression, the two main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a lack of interest in life. You may also be less active than normal and sleep more.
If you think you, or someone you know, may be suffering from SAD, you should consult your GP as soon as possible.
There’s more information on the NHS website here.
