With the holidays over and frequent overcast skies, people can often feel blue. Sometimes rain, fog and other elements keep one inside more and lead to boredom as well. Mild depression is the next step. Depression is often simply the outcome of feeling that one is trapped in the same thing every day.

If you are feeling bored or humdrum or empty, there is a good chance you just have the Winter blues, especially if they subside after a day or two. If it feels deeper than that, you might be experiencing signs of depression.

Try getting some exercise, talking to a friend about how you feel, eating a healthy meal or going on a little trip. If doing what you like instead of what you think you should do does not help, then you might consider talking to a professional or counselor about your state. Life doesn't have to be so hard!

Regards, Cheryl Deaner, LMFT