The Canadian Mental Health Association is reminding everyone mental health is a year round concern.
'Blue Monday' has been declared the most depressing day of the year by many — it falls on the third Monday in January.
The CMHA's Manager of Mental Health Promotions in Windsor-Essex, Karen Gignac says seasonal depression is just one factor of many that people deal with.
"Are we living in poverty, are we dealing with trauma, are we dealing with care giving issues, do we have kids that are ill, parents that are ill, are we struggling with potential job loss or divorce," she says. "All of these things that every one of us deals with at some point in our lives."
Gignac says people suffering from anxiety and depression can sometimes shy away from help, so family and friends shouldn't be afraid to reach out for them.
"It takes more than just the individual to reach-out and get help. You need a kind of community of support around you," she says.
Gignac is also reminding everyone the association's free BounceBack Program allows residents to call or walk-in off the streets for on- the-spot help 365 days a year.
"The greatest strength of the BounceBack Program is one interaction will get people in touch with the help they need right away," she says. "Through that they can access other programs and resources, what's available, there are people there to help access what your needs are and what would be the best resource for you."
Gignac says anyone in distress can call 519-973-4435 for an immediate assessment or visit the Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre in downtown Windsor.