Worried About Winter Depression?
In the U.S., Labor Day unofficially marks the end of summer. The kids are back in school, and even though the calendar says autumn begins with the September equinox, you may already be dreading shorter, darker days.
Before winter finally sets in, you may love the crisp air, and outdoor fall activities. It\’s a great time for long walks, and letting your kids jump into piles of leaves. But even the most cheerful of us can feel a shock when Daylight Savings Time ends, and suddenly we are driving home from work in the dark.
Lots of people feel some level of depression hit quickly when the nights grow long. But many people will feel it harder than ever to beat depression as the prospect of a cold, dark winter stretches out before them. These people may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can range from mild to disabling.
Research suggests that SAD may have a physical connection. Scientific American reports that certain neurons, which produce the feel good chemicals norepi
