Winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is thought to be common and can affect people of any age, including children and can affect everyone in different ways.
The 10 top tips below are recomended by the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA) although it is recognised that the winter blues can affect people in different ways so what works for one person won't work for another.
The key message don't give up as usually something will work if the first remedy doesnt, and to just keep trying.
1. Keep active
A daily walk in the middle of the day could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues.
2. Get outside
Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, especially at midday and on brighter days.
3. Keep warm
Being cold may make you feel more depressed, so staying warm may reduce the winter blues - lots of hot drinks and hot food and warm clothes.
4. Eat healthily
A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy
5. See the light
Some people find light therapy effective for seasonal depression.
6. Take up a new hobby
Keeping your mind active with a new interest
7. See your friends and family
It's been shown that socialising is good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues.
8. Talk it through
Talking treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you cope with symptoms.
9. Join a support group
Sharing your experience with others who know what it's like to feel low this time of the year.
10. Seek help
If your symptoms are so bad that you can't live a normal life, see your GP for medical help.
More information
There is lots more information on the NHS mood zone webpages
