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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Winter is less than a week away and each day is getting shorter and shorter.

This time of year many people suffer the winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder.  Experts say nearly everyone suffers some symptoms of the disease.  It's normal to want to stay in your home and not socialize as much.

But some of the symptoms can lead to other more serious side effects and even depression.

“They tend to want to eat more which then has weight increase, which then can contribute to some more depression and wanting to isolate more.  And you can have some depressive, stronger depressive symptoms,” says Sande Ford R.N. with Mark Twain Behavioral Health.

Here's some tips to help you through the cold months and dark days.  Ford says you should get out more and socialize with your friends.  It's recommended to get exercise and eat healthy.  The sun can also help you remain positive.  Ford says she can’t stress enough how important it is to not isolate yourself.