Berlin - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD can be a real thing here. Hear me now, believe me later: plan on going somewhere sunny your first winter here. Just do it. Mallorca, Grand Canary, southern Spain, whatever. It doesn't need to be hot, but don't lose a winter to scoffing at Germans who all go to Mallorca every January. They do it for a reason. More generally, if you suffer from ongoing or situational anxiety or depression, be sure to have a plan for therapy and/or meds before you arrive. See my note on German "non-interventionist medicine" above. - Aug 2023
"Winter blues" is a real thing here. I never thought it would affect me but this past winter it definitely did. The winters are long, wet, and dark. Combined with a generally cold society, it wears on many. - May 2018
Some people are affected here by cold weather and lack of sun in winter. Also, the embassy is large and housing a bit scattered throughout the city making it less friendly than smaller or hardship posts. Employees can feel isolated. Support is available and groups pop up if sought for, but something to be aware of. - Jan 2018
