Feeling a bit down? There might be a good reason. "Blue Monday" is a termed coined more than a decade ago declaring the third Monday of January the most miserable day of the year.

A professor in the United Kingdom derived the term using a formula including holiday blues, bills, broken New Year's resolutions and dreary winter weather.

Mental health experts who spoke with News 12 say that while there is no real scientific basis for Blue Monday, this time of year can be a downer for many people.

Dr. Amanda Sandrew, a psychiatrist at Norwalk Hospital, says the entire winter season, not just Mondays, can trigger some physiological changes in some people that may lead to depression. A lack of sunlight on shorter days, she says, results in lower levels of mood-boosting hormones and a lack of energy.

To combat the winter's potentially detrimental effect, Sandrew advises going outside as much as possible to get some sun, in addition to maintaining good diet and exercise habits.

In order to get that natural sunlight, the doctor says to look into seating near a window during the day or to use special indoor lights that simulate sunlight. If you're feeling truly down, she also recommends consulting your physician.