First Great Western combats Seasonal Affective Disorder

First Great Western ran its first ‘therapy train carriage’ on February 2, intended to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, more commonly known as the ‘winter blues’).

The train ran at 0706 from London Paddington-Penzance, fitted with bright SAD Lumie lights, which are said to help treat the condition.

SAD is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people every winter between September and April, and is particularly prevalent at this time of year. It is caused by a chemical imbalance owing to the shortening of daylight hours and lack of sunlight.

The special carriage will run daily on the 0706.

First Great Western Campaigns Manager Jamie Anderson said: “We are trying to shine a ray of light on people’s journeys, and help them arrive at work and travel home again without the ‘winter blues’.”