Feeling sad lately? Aussie woman goes viral after explaining why

A little bit of self-care goes a long way through the winter months.

In case you missed it: This was one of the Herald's top stories on social media this week.

Have you been feeling a bit down lately? A bit sad? Maybe a little low on energy?

A post by a Melbourne-based Facebook user asking the question and offering some solutions to the seasonal blues has gone viral as many of us in the Southern Hemisphere nodding yes to her questions.

"Hey friends, are you feeling weirdly tired, sh**ty or suddenly depressed in the last two weeks?" Olivia Duval asked on Facebook, quickly followed by some words of reassurance.

"It's okay. It's not just you," she wrote.

Duval reminds people that "it suddenly got a lot darker and colder recently". Some people's bodies may not have adjusted to the new season as quickly as they could have.

Her post shed some light on SAD - "Seasonal Affected Disorder" and resonated with many people who commented and shared the status update.

"Look at getting some vitamin D back in your system," Duval advises.

Her tips also include checking that you have appropriate bedding for the cooler temperatures (but also breathable bedding so your body does not overheat), drinking lots of water and staying in touch with friends during this "hibernation" period.

"You're allowed to go into screensaver mode sometimes," Duval wrote for those needing a reminder to slow down and take better care of themselves. "Plenty of creatures on this planet gear down over winter, and many mammals just go to bed permanently for a whole season, or go halfway around the globe to get the hell away from the cold."

You can read the whole post below for the full advice.

Hey friends, are you feeling weirdly tired, shitty or suddenly depressed in the last two weeks? It's ok. It's not just...

Posted by Olivia Duval on Sunday, 30 April 2017

The post, written in 2017, has resurfaced in recent days as the southern hemisphere heads into the winter months.

If you think you require more than a little bit of self-care, please seek medical help via the contacts listed below.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.