The poor summer has left many people who haven't had the benefit of a holiday in the sunshine feeling down in the dumps.

Anybody who feels that way could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a recognised syndrome, caused by a prolonged lack of sunlight.

Investing in a 'light box', which delivers just the right level of bright light to nerves in the back of the eye, may be the answer.

Jill Loff-lyn from the advice body for SAD sufferers, says unless we get an Indian summer, the outlook could be gloomy as the winter months approach (audio file attached):

(Picture: Stormy seas at the northern end of Douglas Promenade).