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Although the days are brighter and our sunlight hours longer, it's still true that the Winter Blues can get the better of us, especially with the recent layer of snow! The Winter Blues are different from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and feeling sad or down isn’t the same as a major depressive disorder. If your sadness lasts more than two weeks consecutively, affects your ability to work or your personal relationships, please seek the advice of your doctor or psychologist. It’s worthwhile to do what you can to mitigate the effects of lack of sunshine exposure and extended time inside. For a good list of ways to cope, please visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/seven-ways-to-cope-with-the-winter-blues. Their recommendations include recognizing your feelings, intentionally seeking out sunshine, tuning into your 5 senses for being present in the moment, and more.