Blue Monday – 17th January 2022

Listen to me talk about Blue Monday on Erewash Sound on Tuesday at 3.15pm.

What is blue Monday and how does it affect people?

Blue Monday is named aptly after it’s acknowledged that many people can feel low at this time of year.  You could experience a range of emotions of frustration that you can’t stick to any NY resolutions, to feeling low or even depressed with not much to look forward.  The weather and dark evenings can of course impact this, but it could be that you’re not happy in your home situation or at work if you’re employed, or maybe at school.  And the Christmas break went all too quickly!   Feelings of depression could range from: trouble sleeping or getting out of bed in the morning, feeling irritable and impatient, lack of interest in doing things, over or under eating, relying too much on alcohol, feeling restless and trouble relaxing or concentrating.  

Why is it this particularly Monday?

It’s the 3rd Monday in January because by now all festivities are over, the lights have come down, and we’re back to, what can feel like, the mundaneness of life.  

Is it normal to feel low like this and what can I do about it?

It’s very normal to feel like this and it can help to know you’re not alone.   I often say this, but be kind to yourself – do things you know you like doing in down time; make sure you set realistic expectations of NY resolutions – so don’t say you’ll run 5k every day when you’ve just taken up running for eg!; make sure you get outside – take a walk when you can, even if it’s just for 10 mins, it’s amazing how much that can impact on peoples well being; talk to a friend or maybe keep a journal of how you’re feeling, it can help to write things down. 

Where can I get help if I need it? 

Don’t be afraid to seek professional support, even just one or two counselling sessions can help.  Or ring the Samaritans on 116 123 and speak to someone in confidence or email jo@samaritans.org – I prefer writing things down sometimes to speaking to someone and then taking time to read the response.