We all know what it’s like at that time of year. It’s growing colder every day and it gets darker much earlier, especially after we alter the clocks for daylight saving time in some parts of the world. It is also flu season, either for ourselves or for our children, after bringing something back from their school. Plus the relentless juggernaut of Christmas and all the stress it entails is very much in evidence – from the sudden proliferation of multi-coloured lights, yuletide music everywhere you go, malls that should more accurately be re-spelled ‘mauls’ and an explosion of festive commercials on TV. For me, the onset of fall also signals the beginning of yet another busy season of school and library visits, workshops and presentations all over the country, book signings every weekend in local bookstores and precious small time for writing.
Many of us develop cabin fever and grow sluggish during the winter months and may eat more or sleep longer when daylight is in small supply and the temperature starts to fall. It may be harder to get out of bed or for some people to even generate much enthusiasm each morning. These are common experiences related to the change in the seasons, but some individuals can have a far more serious reaction when the end of summer heralds the coming of fall and winter.
Once simply known as the ‘winter blues’, the effect of less light in the winter may be severe for some and is a recognized medical condition, diagnosed as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. SAD can also occur in the summer, when it is known as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Posted in Writing And Speaking | 
Tags: Book Signings, Fall And Winter, Juggernaut, Library Visits, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Winter Blues
Tags: Book Signings, Fall And Winter, Juggernaut, Library Visits, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Winter Blues