Since the 1990s, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been recognised as the condition where people feel depressed in winter due to lack of sunlight. But it turns out the whole notion is actually a myth.
A new US study has concluded that, contrary to popular belief, depressive symptoms don't change from season to season or in different levels of sunlight. Or, as the scientists behind the study say: "Being depressed during winter is not evidence that one is depressed because of winter".
Of course, anyone suffering symptoms of depression should seek medical help, at any time of year. But if grey skies, perpetual rain and severe lack of funds are getting you down… well, that's just January for you, we're afraid. (But at least it'll be over soon).
SOURCE: Clinical Psychological Science
