We are encouraging staff, service users and the public to speak up and ask for support this ‘Blue Monday’.
Blue Monday falls on the third or fourth Monday in January, with this year’s being on Monday 16th.
The term has been used nationally to reflect that weather conditions, post-Christmas debt levels and the return to work, are amongst factors affecting people’s mental health.
We are using Blue Monday as another opportunity to promote mental health support, and are offering hints and tips that may help people.
Lorraine Khalaf, Service Manager, Wellbeing Helpline and Texting Service said:
“We recognise Blue Monday can be a difficult day, and can bring to the surface mental health worries especially with the current cost of living crisis, but there are things we can all do to help combat those feelings to beat Blue Monday and see January as a time for a fresh start.
Even though it may be cold and dark outside, wrap up warm and take a walk outside. Reaching 10,000 steps a day isn’t achievable for everyone, but what is achievable is the conscious effort to increase your daily steps today. This could be achieved simply by parking further away at the supermarket.
Make time for a conversation with a friend and talk about how you are both feeling. Sharing your feelings will make you feel less alone.
Set some clear goals, start with small achievable targets which will offer a sense of achievement and take pleasure in ticking things off at the end of day.
Write a gratitude list and list three things to be thankful for. Stick the list up on your fridge so you can clearly see it and refer back to it if you need reassurance.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental wellbeing please ask for help. We have a dedicated Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline and Texting Service. The service is available Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm and Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight. This service is staffed by volunteers and those with lived experience of mental health, who can offer emotional support and talk about mental health.
Contact the wellbeing line by calling 0800 915 4640 or by texting Hello to 07860 022 846.
Our Crisis Line is available if you need to speak to someone urgently about your mental health. You can call the Crisis Line on 0800 953 0110 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We also have a range of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression and low mood and sleeping problems which are available here - https://www.selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/lscft/.
