As the Summer draws to a close those gloomy feelings can slowly creep in, you begin to wonder what 's the matter, not really able to put your finger on it! Life's going in the right direction, family and friends are all OK, work is manageable but there's something hanging over you. What is it?

It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD as it's generally known. SAD is depression that affects you seasonally, more noticeable as the days get shorter, the nights get longer and Winter sets in.

Its sometimes referred to as Winter depression!

SAD is generally linked to less exposure to sunlight, hence it being an issue during Autumn and Winter. We produce a variety of hormones to help us function during the day and sleep at night and its said these (hormones) may be affected as the light changes.

Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which controls our patterns of consciousness & sleep. Our bodies influence how much melatonin is created as does the 'light' we're exposed to. We need melatonin for sleep, the melatonin levels decrease as the morning begins when we become more wakeful. When suffering with SAD the levels continue to be higher than normal, causing that lethargic, can't be bothered feeling!

Serotonin also created by the pineal gland is sometimes referred to as the 'happy' hormone. A lack of sunlight may affect this much needed hormone resulting in feelings of depression, lack or increase in appetite, loss of sexual desire and general interest in everyday life.

How do you know if you have SAD...visit your GP. Is the quick answer to that but here are some symptoms, please use this as a check list an make a note which will help when visiting your doctor.

Not feeling as positive as you would normally

Tired and lack energy

Feeling sleepy during the day - when normally you wouldn't

Struggle to motivate yourself

Find it difficult to get out of bed

Low mood and your usual enthusiasm has gone

Irritable with yourself and others

Comfort eat resulting in gaining weight or losing your appetite

You may only notice that you have a few symptoms but still visit your GP if these feelings last for a period of time.

How can you help yourself?....before your GP visit

Look at your lifestyle choices for example alcohol intake, diet, routines

Make sure you get out into the fresh air as much as possible

Open windows, get the fresh air circulating

Take up exercise, even if it's walking

Don't expect too much of yourself

Manage your stress levels...only you can do this, although I can help (see below)

Make time for yourself, book a holistic treatment (with me if you are local...see below)

Talk to someone about how you feel

I'm a Holistic Therapist based in South Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE7 7LX. I provide a range of therapies that can help you to regain a sense of balance, giving you space to relax and unwind and most importantly de-stress.

I'm always happy to have a chat so if you have any questions please give me a call on 07546527004

visit my website https://www.randrholistictherapy.co.uk

Facebook page www.facebook.com/randrtherapy

Instagram rachel_randrtherapy

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