Is it holiday stress, seasonal affective disorder or depression?
It’s a cruel trick of Mother Nature: the very weeks when holiday preparations and parties are at their peak are the same weeks when we’re most at risk of developing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or even full-blown depression. So, those who think they’re just tired from decking the halls, shopping late-night sales and ringing in the New Year might actually be suffering the effects caused by the shortest daylight hours of the year. Lack of sunlight can trigger a drop in our energy levels, constant tiredness, cravings for carbohydrates and grouchiness. Combine this with the demands of the holidays and it’s no wonder that some people feel like a Grinch by the end of December! Fortunately, a light-emitting box that you can buy or build can help many people. For those who have a history of depression, this time of year is especially tricky: the seasonal effects can combine with a person’s own vulnerability to trigger a new episode of depression. Anyone whose symptoms are present constant
