It can be much harder to ward off dark thoughts now that the nights are longer.
I just finished another night shift with Samaritans, and I can see why so many people are afflicted by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which isn’t helping the mental and physical health toll caused by the pandemic.
Isolation, fear, domestic violence, abuse… sometimes the demons that are kept away during the day when we are busy, with distractions of daily life, comes alive when the sun goes down.
If you are in a good place, reach out to those around you who may be living alone, and who may be struggling.
Ask some gentle questions.
“How are you doing?”
“The night is much longer now, how are you coping?”
“How is your sleep?”
Then, just listen without judgement.
If you are struggling, reach out.
Don’t be afraid of asking for help.
If you are in the UK, you can ring Samaritans freephone 116 123.
Otherwise, you can email jo@samaritans.org.
We are here 247 to listen.
You don’t have to go through this alone. 🌹
#OnThePeiroll
#ActiveListening
#MentalHealth
#SuicideAwareness
