Shorter days, colder weather, financial stress - these are all common contributors of the "Winter Blues", known professionally as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

Sunlight plays a bigger role in our mental health than you might think.

There are many factors that can make January depressing, such as paying off Christmas debt, getting off of the holiday high and back into the routine. SAD is a type of depression that comes on around this time of year due to a lack of sunlight. You may find yourself feeling drained or a bit moody while others fall into a deep depression.

Donna Bowyer, Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Moose Jaw Branch said there are a few things you can do to stave off symptoms.

"Aside from taking the vitamin D, try and get some exercise, try and get healthy nutrition, try to get into good 'sleep hygiene' which means getting up at the same time, going to bed at the same time."

Not everyone has Seasonal Affective Disorder. In fact, it only impacts a small portion of people, both young and old, regardless of your current health situation, yet we can all feel a bit down from time to time.

"It has to do with how much light that we're getting. If you're sitting in an office that doesn't have any windows then that will increase your risk. If you're a shift worker, shift workers that work the evening shift are at a higher risk." explained Bowyer. "Getting that light is really key to being able to stay healthy."

Mood lights, dietary supplements and spending more time outdoors are some additional ways to combat symptoms of "the blues". 

January and February have been known to be the most common time for these feelings to arise, however, Bowyer went on to say that some individuals may have started feeling that way as early as October.

But when is it time to reach out for help? Bowyer says it's different for everyone, but there are some key things to look for in yourself and others.

"When it starts to interfere with your life, where this sadness, this darkness, and this no-motivation, no ability to function starts to interfere with your relationships or your work, any of those things we really take for granted. We need to reach out and get some help."

If the negative feelings remain despite making some changes, Bowyer suggests meeting with your family doctor, speaking to a friend or meeting with a counselor.