The holidays are often thought of as the happiest time of the year, but for many, this simply isn’t the case. With increasingly busy schedules and the pressures of gift giving, the holiday season doesn’t always live up to joyous expectations. This can be especially true if you’re experiencing the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Anxiety can be either chronic (ongoing and long-term) or seasonal. Seasonal anxiety often starts in the fall and continues throughout the winter. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in your brain's serotonin and melatonin levels, which disrupts your mood and sleep patterns. Even though seasonal anxiety is temporary, it is no less serious than chronic anxiety, and if you see symptoms in yourself, you should schedule an appointment to talk with your primary care physician (PCP).