•January 22, 2025•

Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension     

Winter is upon us and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues.” I am much more aware of the signs of mental health challenges having become a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). I would highly recommend anyone to complete MHFA as the purpose is to help you recognize when someone is having difficulties and be able to respond in a helpful way. And it is very likely that you will need to be there for someone in that circumstance since according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, one in five American adults is diagnosed with a mental illness each year and half of those disorders begin by age 14 and three quarters by age 24.  

There are many ways to try and prevent those winter blues from sneaking up on us and to maintain positive mental health. Here are just a few tips to get started:  

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