Today in Bavaria, the sun is shining. The snow glistens like diamonds where the warm rays kiss the ground. Yes, this is my favorite kind of winter day – beautiful snow and sunshine.
I used to take sunshine for granted, especially living in Texas. There was certainly no shortage of it there. In fact, sometimes you wished for some cloud cover. But here in Germany, I have a new appreciation of the sun. Most winter days are cloudy, overcast and dreary. Much like the Pacific Northwest, I'm told. I've never been there so I can't say for certain. A conversation at work yesterday and the appearance of the sun today has prompted me to think about SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder.
This disorder is a type of depression that happens the same time every year. For most people, that is usually fall through winter though some experience this depression in spring or early summer. Some of the symptoms include depression, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating among others. I point these particular symptoms out because I realized that I've been experiencing them. I'm not saying I have SAD, but I don't think some extra sunlight would go amiss. And I'll pay more attention to what I'm feeling now that I'm aware of the symptoms. If you think you might suffer from this depression, please seek professional help.
So, I'm going to take advantage of the sun as much as possible today because it could be weeks before I see it again.
Does the lack of sunshine affect you? Care to share?
