Blue Monday
The third Monday in January, often referred to as Blue Monday. But why do we talk of Blue Monday?
Blue Monday was a myth created by PR companies to sell holidays. There is no scientific evidence to back it up. However, it is true that many people experience seasonal variations in their mental wellbeing. January is often a difficult month. Following on from the highs of Christmas, the weather can be gloomy and not to mention, this year we are experiencing our third lockdown.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is something that can affect many people during times of lower light throughout winter. The changes our bodies experience during the winter months can affect hormones, sleeping patterns, eating habits and our mood.
Exercise and spending time outdoors is impacted by the shorter days and the weather, meaning that people can struggle to do things that they would normally enjoy or find beneficial to their mental and physical wellbeing.
Following on from December, when people have often spent more than they unusually would on Christmas gifts and indulged more in food, January can often leave people with negative feelings about themselves and worries of money and debt.
It is important to try and focus on what you can control during this time. You could try:
- Making plans – this could be for better food choices, getting your finances in order, planning your day to include some self care
- Trying to get out for a walk – even just a short one
- Talk to friends and family
- Get into a good night routine
- Create a daily routine
- Learn a new skill
If you are struggling with your feelings, you can contact us and speak to one of our experienced counsellors.
Whilst Blue Monday is not the only day that people experience mental health problems, it is a day to highlight that people do. It is something that we should all consider day in day out. Many people experience mental health problems every day, and have good days and bad days.
Right now, with all that is happening in the world, it is more important than ever to remind everyone that mental ill health can affect anyone at any time – even if you have never experienced it before.
If you suspect that someone may be struggling, or that you yourself are having a difficult time dealing with your feelings and emotions, there are things that you can do.
- Reach out and ask ‘are you ok?’
- Talk to a professional (see numbers at the bottom of this blog)
- Research online (use reputable websites – listed below)
- Talk to someone – whether its a friend, relative or stranger
There is no ‘one day’ that is worse than any other. Everyone’s circumstances are different. At some times in our lives we can all feel down or have a low mood. But we need to distinguish this from when we experience depression or other mental health problems that can be debilitating.
You can access counselling services by call us on 01522 253809 or visit our website https://nwcounsellinghub.co.uk/
For urgent 24/7 help:
- Samaritans 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
- Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation 0800 001 4331 https://www.lpft.nhs.uk/contact-us/need-help-now
- ChildLine 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/
- Here4You 01522 309120 https://www.lpft.nhs.uk/contact-us/need-help-now
For someone to talk to:
- CALM 0800 58 58 58 (Open daily 5pm – Midnight) https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Mind 0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm) https://www.mind.org.uk/
- YoungMinds – parents helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm) https://youngminds.org.uk/