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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

The festive holidays are over, why do l feel so blue?

General Health & Wellbeing, Therapies Posted by JadwigaPosted on Thu, January 01, 2026 08:47AM

by Sarah Wallace

Many people feel out of sorts once the festive period comes to an end and life returns to some kind of normality. For some it hits harder than others and can sometimes take you by surprise. This reaction is not at all unusual and here’s why:

gloomy, rainy weather
  • Busy social calendars and hours of Christmas preparations to find yourself with virtually nothing on in January can lead to Loneliness, boredom, and feeling isolated.
  • Spending time with loved ones, over the festive period, can lead to a mixture of feelings. Maybe it didn’t go to plan and you feel let down/disappointed by how they’ve behaved towards you. Or maybe you’ve really enjoyed the time spent with friends/family members and miss them now they’ve gone.
  • You may have overindulged in food and/or drink during the holidays and now when you get on the scales you feel guilty inadequate, and/or weak
  • January is a dark, cold and often snowy month where people tend to hibernate. So, you may feel stuck at home,
  • Perhaps you’re disappointed by the holidays. It wasn’t what you had hoped for and now feel let down that they’re over.
  • If you travelled or moved around a lot during the holidays, you may be tired now that they are over. Fatigue can cause us to feel run down and bring on sadness

Helpful tips:

• Try not to beat vourself up if you gained weight. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, worthless or irresponsible. It’s never too late to get back on track with your eating plan.

• Organise another get together with those who you particularly enjoyed spending time with

• Plan one thing a week, that you look forward to. It can be inexpensive i.e. invite friends over for a games/movie night cook a new dish with a loved one or pamper yourself

• Use those dull/cold days to achieve a small chore you’ve not had time to do for a while.

• Have lazy Sunday mornings or take a much-needed nap in the afternoon.

• Help someone else such as offering to babysit, lend your ear buy food for a homeless person or donate something you don’t use (like unwanted Christmas gifts)

• Take care of your health, including eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep. If you can’t shake the post-holiday blues counselling may help explore this further.

To find out more about Sarah Wallace Counselling and to get in touch….

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/sarah-wallace

https://www.facebook.com/SarahWallaceCounselling

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wallace-ab1327296

Email enquiries @sarahwallacecounselling.co.uk

Mobile – 07517 644540



World Suicide Prevention Day: How to Spot Low Mood and Reach Out with Compassion 🧡

General Health & Wellbeing, Personal stories Posted by JadwigaPosted on Fri, August 23, 2024 01:19PM

by Sally Race

Every year, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a poignant reminder that each one of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. In a world where mental health struggles often remain hidden behind smiles and social facades, it is crucial to become more aware of the subtle signs of distress in those around us. This awareness can empower us to offer the support that could potentially save a life.

Recognising the Signs of Low Mood

Low mood is often the precursor to more severe mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Recognising it in someone can be challenging, especially when they may be trying to conceal their feelings. However, there are key signs to look out for:

1. Changes in Behaviour: One of the most noticeable indicators is a shift in a person’s usual behaviour. They may become withdrawn, avoiding social interactions they once enjoyed. Alternatively, they might display sudden irritability or anger, reacting more strongly to situations than they typically would.

2. Loss of Interest: A person experiencing low mood may lose interest in activities they previously found pleasurable. Hobbies, work, or even spending time with loved ones may no longer hold the same appeal.

3. Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, emotional distress manifests physically. Look out for signs such as changes in sleep patterns, whether that be insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches and pains.

4. Expressing Hopelessness: If someone begins to talk about feeling hopeless, helpless, or trapped, take it seriously. Phrases like “What’s the point?” or “I just can’t see a way out” are red flags that they might be experiencing deep despair.

5. Decline in Self-Care: Neglecting personal hygiene or a noticeable lack of care in appearance can also be indicative of a low mood. It may reflect a loss of motivation or a sense that they no longer see value in taking care of themselves.

How to Reach Out and Offer Support

If you suspect someone you care about is struggling, reaching out to them can feel daunting. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse. However, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Here are some compassionate ways to approach the conversation:

1. Choose the Right Moment: Find a quiet, private place where you can talk without interruptions. Timing is also important; try to choose a moment when the person seems more relaxed, if possible.

2. Express Your Concern Gently:  Start the conversation by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way. You might say something like, “I’ve noticed that you’ve seemed a bit down lately, and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay?”

3. Listen Without Judgement: If they open up, listen to them without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, just having someone listen can provide a tremendous sense of relief. Avoid making assumptions or minimising their feelings, as this can lead to them shutting down.

4. Offer Your Support: Let them know you’re there for them, whatever they’re going through. Simple statements like “You’re not alone” or “I’m here for you, no matter what” can be incredibly powerful.

5. Encourage Professional Help: While your support is invaluable, encourage them to seek professional help as well. You could say, “Have you thought about talking to a therapist or counsellor? I could help you find someone if you’d like.”

6. Follow Up: After your initial conversation, continue to check in with them. Letting them know that your concern wasn’t just a one-off will reinforce that they are valued and supported.

The Importance of Self-Care

Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally draining, so it’s crucial to take care of your own mental health as well. Ensure you have your own support system in place, whether that be friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Final Thoughts

World Suicide Prevention Day is a time for all of us to reflect on the ways we can support those around us. By learning to recognise the signs of low mood and reaching out with compassion, we can each play a part in preventing suicide. Your words and actions, no matter how small they may seem, could make all the difference in someone’s life.

Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to offer support—you just have to care. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Take care of yourself and those around you, Sally 🧡