The temperature isn't the only thing that falls this time of year. A drop in mood may also occur in many of us. Depression, and what's known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can be triggered when we get into the colder months. Dawn Sawatsky's a Mental Health Liaison Nurse for Southern Health-Santé Sud, and says there are many symptoms we might encounter when the winter season begins.

"The feeling of sadness and depressed mood, loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite, typically eating more, craving the carbohydrates. A change in sleep, typically too much sleep, and the loss of energy despite that increased sleep. A noted slowing of body movements, a slowing of speech, trouble concentrating or making decisions," says Sawatsky.

She says if these symptoms seem more severe, and also include thoughts of worthlessness and guilt, it could lead to thoughts of suicide, which is a sign of major depressive disorder.

Sawatsky notes it's important to know your resources, and when to ask for help. She says you can talk to your family doctor, also the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba and the Mood Disorders Association of Canada. Also, crisis response service is available, as well as the emergency room if you have more serious symptoms, such as thoughts or intent of suicide.

The reasons for these mood changes are due to less sunlight. Sawatsky says we develop less serotonin in the brain, which is a natural mood booster. She says we also produce more melatonin, which causes us to feel drowsy and less motivated.

There are ways to combat the symptoms of the winter blues, and Sawatsky notes they're the things we can control.

"Living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining nutrition, sleep, hygiene, positive thinking, are all areas to start to be aware of in learning how to best manage a depressive disorder should it develop," Sawatsky explains.

The things we can't control, like a genetic predisposition, gender, and unforeseen life events, are what Sawatsky says could lead a person to be at risk or to develop a depressive disorder.

Sawatsky says if you need help, you can call the Crisis Response Service at 1-866-588-1697.