The last few days have been hot and sunny, the bluebells and the wild garlic are out, the blossom is hanging heavy and scented in the trees and bumble bees are busy everywhere.

It’s pretty obvious from the way I’m writing that I love this time of year I find it naturally hopeful and in the long winter months I find myself imagining daffodils and bluebells. However, not everyone loves spring and many people are affected differently by each season. Some people are significantly affected not only by the seasons but by the changes in seasons and may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder which is usually characterised by unexplained depression at the same time each year.

There are a number of treatments for SAD and counselling is one of them and can be a real support. As with many forms of depression, it can be hard to feel motivated to do anything let alone help yourself, and then when the good times come “Ah I feel fine now, I don’t need help!”.

There are a lot of people I have known socially or in my family who have suffered depression at one time or another and often when I have recommended counselling they say “I’m better now, it’s when I feel down that I need it”. To these people I always say that maybe when you are feeling good, when you feel motivated, maybe now is a good time to talk even if you don’t really want to think about it.

Useful resources: