17/01/2021
How beautiful is this scene Prudhoe Castle, Northumberland captured on an early frosty morning ? For many it will not bring joy sadly because of feeling blue, possibly low mood and generally out of sorts or depressed.
The 3rd Monday in January has become known as Blue Monday, allegedly because of the post-Christmas blues, short hours of daylight and the financial impact of the festive period hitting our bank accounts. For many, feelings of anxiety and depression or even in extreme cases possibly suicidal ideation.
This year we have the unprecedented event of the Corona Virus and everything that has come with it.
Illness, threat of the virus, death of loved ones and friends, isolation due to restrictions and possibly a massive sense of anxiety, grief and loss thrown into the mix as we are unable to see friends and relatives in the way we are all accustomed too.
It may be you simply want to talk to someone who is independent or indeed a close friend. Please be reassured there is always someone there to listen AND you are not alone.
For immediate support please contact Samritans on 116123 to speak to someone in person OR text SHOUT to 85258 for text support.
Sometimes external professional help is required and your GP or a professional counsellor if you have or know someone who has persistent low mood, stress or anxiety that is becoming all consuming.
SELF CARE
Spend time in daylight.
Making the most of daylight as out door light can help. Take a walk, sit in the garden and soak up the winter sun. Even cloudy, cold days can help!
Physical Activity
Exercise and other types of physical activity help to relieve stress and anxiety. Feeling better about yourself can lift your mood so get out and take a walk even if it is just around the block.
Meditation and Guided imagery.
There are lots of apps and pages offering a wide range of breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, visualisation and positive affirmations.
Relaxation
Find time to relax, whether it is a hobby you enjoy (even forgotten about) OR a new challenge activity to experiment with such as a new recipe or DIY job. Try switching your screen off more and disconnecting with computers and laptops etc.
Maintain connections
Reconnect with friends, maybe with an old fashioned letter or post card. Even simply picking up the phone for a conversation that you have initiated!
Gratitude and kindness
Developing a habit of recognizing the good things in life, be kind to yourself and grateful for the small things. Journaling can be a fabulous way to reflect and remind ourselves of positive aspects and be grateful.
Light Therapy
Some people find light boxes can help by simulating light exposure. The brain is fooled into producing less melatonin, resulting in you feeling less sleepy.
More than just the winter blues SAD or seasonal affective disorder.
This is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Otherwise known as a winter depression with the arrival of darker days and clock changes.
It is important to realise we can all do things to help ourselves BUT sometimes we may need further assistance in these challenging times.
You do not need to have a MH diagnosis to seek help and support.
If this resonates with you or someone you know, I can help you process thoughts and emotions as well as unexpected feelings associated with grief and loss in these strange and challenging times we find ourselves in.
Also, if I am not the right person to help or the right fit for you, I may be able to assist you to more support.
Www.tynevalleycounselling.com
Counselling via zoom video link or telephone, out door therapy walk and talk AND in some instances in person work.
Call now for your free discovery connection, details in bio.
