WITH the rain hammering down outside and the wind blowing a gale, many people across Swindon could be feeling low.

And according to Milton Road-based counselling service A Time To Talk, it is normal for people to be suffering from the January Blues.

Counsellors from the service explain that Christmas will have been a positive experience for most people, but some will be left feeling weighed down with worry.

Tina Deas, one of the counsellors, said: "We can feel powerless and out of control.

"This in turn can add to our levels of stress and anxiety and we start to feel overwhelmed, perhaps giving us a sense of hopelessness about the future."

Fellow counsellor Tina Griffiths said: "If you are feeling confused it can help to write down things that are good in your life and those that are not so good.

"This can give you a starting point to look to the future."

Martin Forbes, of Swindon & District Samaritans, said that this time of year still remained very busy for them.

"I think the true cost of Christmas, coupled with the weather probably has something to do with it," he said.

"The other thing is that a lot of people move to Swindon. They have not been born and bred here, so they do not have a support infrastructure in the town. But they can call us and we will do our best to help."

But there are other solutions available too.

Cheryl Shepard, of the Blue Moon Holistic Centre in Victoria Road, said she would suggest crystal healing.

"This helps with the immune system, so as to help prevent colds, which at this time are easy to catch," she said.

"The combination of the weather being miserable and people getting ill at this time of year can often bring people down so I would also recommend Reiki which can help cleanse the body of toxins and release good energy."

And for those who prefer something more herbal Chen Xiaoxian, of the Chinese Herbalist shop, in the High Street, suggests detox teas.

"They are great for helping shift unwanted weight and remove unwanted toxins within the body," he said. "The main thing I recommend looking at is the person's lifestyle. This is an important factor in how you feel. "

For more information on A Time To Talk phone 07722 023950 or visit www.attt.co.uk.