December 21 will mark the 2016 winter solstice (or Yule). This annual astronomical phenomenon lands on the shortest day and the longest night of the year. To many the winter solstice is considered a “turning of the year”, which is often celebrated as daylight hours begin to increase. Basically, many who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the winter blues see the winter solstice as the end of their doldrums and the upward rise to spring.
According to research from Psychology Today, roughly 15-percent (or 6-million) of Americans struggle through the dark and dreary winter months. Another 5-percent of those experience major depression every winter, know as SAD. Do you consider the winter solstice a turning point for celebration and a promise of spring to come?
