The evenings are now beginning to draw in faster and the familiar glow of early sunsets signals the arrival of darker nights. Whether it’s cosy nights at home, evening walks under streetlights or preparing for winter ahead, there’s something quietly comforting about this time of year.
How do we navigate the dark winter mornings and nights without our mood crashing? We live in a country where weather is often the topic of conversation, because it’s so changeable. As we come out of the summer season, the autumnal change can be beautiful but also a shock to the system. The reality is that our daylight has been reduced significantly, this can have an impact on our mental health and general wellbeing.
One of the conditions linked to lack of exposure to sunlight is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which creates symptoms which are similar to depression. The part of the brain which controls your mood, sleep and appetite is the hypothalamus, this is believed to be stimulated by sunlight, so it makes sense that having a reduced amount of sunlight would have a significant impact. Exposure to sunshine improves mood and it increases serotonin level in the brain, this is the hormone that can help you feel calmer and less anxious. Just remember the suns rays can cause skin damage any time of the year, so make sure you remember your SPF!
So how do we look after ourselves and ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent this becoming overwhelming.
If you are feeling unwell speak to someone who understands, either a peer or a professional. It’s good to talk about your feelings and not bottle them up or restrict them, you will find that you are not alone and others feel the same way as you do.
To find out more about how to access counselling with Stop.Breathe.Think. Click here.
