Winnipeg winter got you feeling blue? You're not alone

If you're feeling tired, cranky and depressed over this seemingly never-ending winter, you're definitely not alone, according to the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba.

The association says more people have been feeling depressed, isolated and irritable this winter because of the long cold snaps and frequent snowfalls Manitobans have experienced.

"What I'm hearing is that people are really irritable, and they are short-tempered with everyone," said Tara Brousseau Snider, the association's executive director.

"The other thing I'm hearing also is that people are missing work right now — just, I think, [because of] the effort to get out of bed and face another day of winter."

The mood disorders association is planning a comedy night at the Pantages Playhouse Theatre this weekend, in the hopes of getting people out of their homes and laughing.

"I worry because right now it's time to really start connecting, and I'm not seeing that," Brousseau Snider said.

"We want to tell people now is the time where you want to laugh, now is the time where you want to get out and start doing things."

The Stand Up to Stigma Comedy Show is taking place Saturday at 8 p.m. and will feature local comedic talent.

Money raised from the show will go toward the association's education and support programs for people with postpartum depression and youth dealing with mood disorders.

Brousseau Snider said the show is usually held in the fall, but the association moved it to March because it has been a difficult winter emotionally and psychologically for people.