Blue Monday originated from a publicity stunt, but seasonal affective disorder is a real affliction that affects millions of people. There are ways to treat it.

As the winter chill deepens and the skies take on a perpetual gray hue, many Canadians find themselves struggling with seasonal affective disorder. Blue Monday — the "most depressing day of the year" — is looming on the horizon, and it's important to know how to navigate the emotional challenges that accompany this season.

Cue the New Order, you sad sacks — the gloomiest day of the year is upon us. According to some, a combination of post-holiday come-down, resolution failure, financial reckoning, and the long nights of winter conspire to make the third Monday in January the most depressing day of the year.