GLOOMY MORNINGS

The sudden fading of Summer comes as a jolt to the system after so many bright, sun-filled days and it’s all too easy to fall into a darker, more gloomy mood. News, both political and geographical, fuels rather than detracts from this state. As I turn on the lights I am reminded that from this day on my electricity bill will rise over a period of six or seven months as the days grow shorter and colder.

We have been working hard out in the garden, through and around the odd rain shower and drizzle, to take down a distorted old fir tree which was in danger of being toppled by high winds and crushing our neighbour’s fruit tree and greenhouse. Actually, it has been quite fun, although I haven’t been the one doing the donkey work. My job was to pull on the rope as each tall branch came down, ensuring its safe arrival on to our lawn without damaging the fence or my other half! With this large blue rope wound round my waist, I felt like a Tug of War participant! I hate seeing trees fall, but this was a necessity and the added bonus has been the lightening up of this area of the garden which previously suffered from damp and year-round shade.

Light – or its lack – plays such an important part in our mental health and well-being. When a close relative was suffering from both depression and bereavement at university, a small dark room – pleasant though its furnishings made it – was greatly improved by the installation of a ‘light box’ or ‘daylight lamp’. The effects of using this were good, and I now use a similar device in the bedroom first thing in the morning. The lamp lay idle during the Summer months, but this last week has seen it back in action.

Back to the garden, where a Dahlia I purchased early this year and which I had given up hope of flowering has suddenly produced this gorgeous bloom! The garden always holds back a surprise or two, especially at this time of year, and such bright cheerful colours can lift the spirits better than some other remedies for depression. I hope it lifts yours too.