Blue Monday was a myth created by PR companies to sell holiday’s. 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/
RECENT POSTS
I don’t think I could recommend NWCH enough! My counsellor is great, I feel understood and hopeful and never judged. Thank you!
Young person Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
My son is opening up to Wayne about all aspects of losing his Dad - happy memories and the painful truth that he won’t be coming back. Wayne has taught him to acknowledge the pain but also remember the many happy times. The counselling he has had with Wayne has been invaluable.
Mum of her young son Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
Coming in for couples counselling, we were both nervous about how the session would work having not done anything like this before.
He listened to each of us and made it feel very light-hearted and easy. We were able to share our feelings and thoughts and Ian gently guided us to explain our views to help us see each other’s views and gave us things to think about for next week.
Couple Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
Personally, I was a very sceptical individual and initially attended as a good Will gesture to my family who had encouraged me to do so……. that being said I found myself to be able to talk to (let’s be honest, a stranger) about my life and its difficulties in an open and comfortable fashion……. don’t get me wrong I’m no soft touch! But I found it genuinely comforting to be able to do so! …. it makes me ask and look for answers from myself ….. rather than someone with a title telling me what’s wrong……,
Adult Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
The match of counsellor has meant my husband looks forward to his sessions & already is feeling happier & we as a family are seeing a difference. It is detail like this that makes asking for help via the NW Counselling Hub stand out – plus the reassurance all counsellors are qualified.
We cannot recommend the NW Counselling Hub enough and thank them for all they are doing for our family.
Adult Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
“We want to support our team when ‘life happens’. We asked NWCH to be our ‘go to’ support service for counselling and emotional support to help members of our team, if they need it, get them through some difficult personal issues such as bereavement and anxiety. The team at the hub are incredibly supportive and have provided a lifeline to our team”
Lincoln Employer referring employees to NWCH Counselling Service.
“NWCH have been providing counselling services to our employees for a few years now and I can honestly say that they have made a significant difference to many of their lives.
We are a company that believes in investing in our staff, and it is great to see when that investment is so profound and has such a positive impact, especially when it comes to people’s wellbeing.
Thank you NWCH, for enabling us to offer our teams such fantastic support and help to feel better when they face challenging times.”
HR Manager at Micronclean Ltd
OFFICE
CONTACT INFO