Welcome to blog 11 of 2022. With each blog, we focus on a topical theme of counselling therapy, which I hope will inform you in your decision to seek therapy or to become a therapist.
Those of us who experience a winter climate may anticipate a change in mood and behaviour as the nights draw in. We grumble about the cold and the dark. We may feel less keen to leave our homes, to socialise, exercise. Our diet will change, as we seek warmth and comfort. We feel the need to slow down. We may feel a little flat.
Some of us experience more debilitating symptoms, such as very low mood, irritability, stress or anxiety, feelings of isolation. This is commonly referred to as Seasonal Blues or Winter Blues and diagnosed by medical professionals as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
It's estimated that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects around 2 million adults and children in the UK.
You're not alone. It's estimated that SAD, affects around 2 million adults and children in the UK and more than 12 million across northern Europe. It's believed that reduced light affects the circadian cycle - a 24-hour cycle that governs the rhythmical behaviour of most living organisms, including sleep, temperature, hormones, appetite and digestion.
Ways to combat SAD include:
light therapy
altering your diet
exercise
counselling
If SAD is affecting you daily throughout the winter months it could be beneficial to seek a counsellor. The right counsellor will help you to explore your feelings, highlight any patterns of behaviour, identify just how this impacts your life and support you to make changes.
Although it's more common to experience SAD during the winter months, it's also possible to experience SAD during the summer.
Although it's more common to experience SAD during the winter months, it's also possible to experience SAD during the summer. Symptoms may include low mood, restlessness, agitation, loss of appetite.
You needn't suffer in silence. Speak to your GP and consider seeking counselling.
Useful links: