If you're feeling a little down today you're not alone, today is known as Blue Monday.
It can hit people for many reasons -- It’s cold outside, the holidays are over and the post-holiday credit card statements begin to arrive.
A little melancholy is one thing - but when it lasts too long - you need to seek help.
Patty Heath is a Mental Health Counsellor at the Canadian Mental Health Association's Windsor branch.
She tells AM800 listeners on the Afternoon News there are steps you can take yourself.
Heath says the date on the calendar is not the only thing to go by, she often sees people starting to struggle with depression before Christmas.
She says the symptoms can be varied: "people describe Blue Monday as people experiencing a lack of energy, fatigue, loss of concentration, weight gain, social withdrawl, sadness and it does have to do with the time of the year"
Heath says everyone gets a bit sad occasionally, but it shouldn't last for days. If it does you should contact your family doctor who can begin treatment by prescribing anti-depressant medications that have been known to help.
Heath says simple things like eating healthy food, getting a good night's sleep and exposure to natural light can make a difference.
She urges anyone who has persistent symptoms to reach out to a health professional.
Bell Let's Talk Day is next Wednesday, January 25th.