With the onset of Autumn, I feel a sense of loss for the summer, the warm, light filled days. For some this is the time of year when they start to feel low anticipating the impact of the short dark days, colder weather, on their mental health and wellbeing. Some may have the winter blues, while for others it can seriously impact on their lives if they have seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD.

In 2020 the Mental Health Foundation and WWF (World Wildlife Fund) produced a guide on how to Thrive with Nature, with tips for every season. There are some great ideas in here on how to engage with nature whether you live in a city or the countryside.

You can read more about how to look after your wellbeing as we transition into Autumn on the Mental Health UK website and in a  BACP article from 2020 (links below).

I personally find staying active outdoors, having things to look forward to, connecting with friends and family, engaging in my hobbies, help me to cope with dismal winter days.

If how you’re feeling is affecting your day-to-day life, it is OK to reach out for support from a professional counsellor to help you process your feelings, emotions.

Mental Health Foundation – Thriving with Nature

Thriving with Nature | Mental Health Foundation

BACP – How to cope with the darker days ahead this winter.

How to cope with the darker days ahead this winter (bacp.co.uk)

Mental Health UK – Looking after your mental health as we approach Autumn

Looking after your mental health as we approach autumn - Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)