IT has come to that time of year when we are queuing for tissues and shuffling umbrellas erect through unwelcome puddles.

On the upside, we are already faced with tacky jingle bells and tinsel and we get to wear anoraks flattering to all figures.

Bring on the Autumn Blues - or in extreme cases, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

SAD syndrome is not a psychosomatic or imaginary illness, scientists have tested and proved that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry, although the exact means by which sufferers are affected is not yet known.

Over these last few weeks, I'm sure most of you will have been affected by the change in the weather.

Feeling lethargic? Taking quick afternoon naps or wanting to? Craving stodgy carbs leading to winter weight gain?

Oversleeping but not feeling refreshed? Joint pain? Stomach problems? Anxiety? Irritability?

These are all common symptoms that occur during these increasingly darker days.

The side effects tend to start from around September each year lasting until April but are at their worst in the gloomier months.

Because we are north of the equator, we get it bad. It is more common for women and adolescents to suffer from SAD but men and children are also extremely vulnerable.

Whether one is a little grouchier than usual or positively depressed, researchers claim a quick walk during the day is as effective as two-and-a-half hours under bright artificial light.

Don't crawl into bed and mutter, hibernation' - take a stroll in the crisp air, book a holiday to Spain next week or - in extreme cases- buy a light box and veg out in front of it making the sound of a seagull and dipping your feet in cold water.