WATCH: How to get through "the most depressing day of the year"
We take a break on Blue Monday to look at how we can open up the conversation about mental health
The middle Monday of January is often known as "Blue Monday" or "the most depressing day of the year".
It's claimed that financial hangovers from Christmas, broken new year's resolutions, dark nights and the long wait for pay day means our personal struggles hit their peak at this time of year.
In reality, there's no such thing as "Blue Monday".
There's no date in the diary where we all feel at our best or worse. It can happen at any time and for a host of reasons.
But let's not miss any opportunities to talk about our mental health, and think about the mental health of those around us.
WATCH: How to talk about mental health
Conversation goes live at midday on 17th January
CEO of CALM, Simon Gunning sits down with our Senior Correspondent, and host of the Mental Health Monday Podcast, Mick Coyle to discuss Blue Monday, and where you can get support if you need it.
Visit the CALM website for resources and more information. Their helpline number is 0800 58 58 58
Looking after yourself on "Blue Monday" or any other day
Follow these tips to guide you through difficult days.
Move it, move it.
Go for a walk. Dust off your bike. Do some sit ups. Whatever it is, moving your body is proven to help manage your mental wellbeing.
The importance of YOU.
Being kind to yourself also means asking, what do I need to take care of myself right now? It’s really important to sleep and eat well and get fresh air. It’s also a good idea to also keep alcohol to a minimum until your mood improves, and prioritise sleep.
However you say it, say it
Keep in touch with your network - talk to someone on the phone, text, Whatsapp, or sending an email can really help to boost your mood. If you don’t feel like you’ve got anyone to talk to, or you don’t want to talk to the people you are able to talk to, you can call CALM on 080058 58 58.
Look out for your mates
It’s not easy to know what to do when a mate’s feeling shit. But it doesn't have to be heavy. A little goes a long way when you’re feeling crap. So just send them that TikTok or chuck them a voicenote. Because one word, one message, one call, can mean another day alive.
Be self-compassionate not self-critical.
You’re not the only one feeling this way and there are lots of understandable reasons for feeling low and demotivated in January.
Remember what you’re grateful for
Gratitude exercises, like writing down five things you’re grateful for in your life, and the part you played in making them happen, can help give you perspective.
Make small changes.
Small changes can make a big difference. Prioritising something other than work, having a special meal, stopping for lunch if you usually just munch sandwich at your desk, getting out and seeing others if you are alone all week - whatever it is that is a 'nice' change can really have an impact on changing your mindset.
Wait for the low mood to pass
Sometimes, we need to accept times of low mood and energy, and simply wait for them to pass. Try making space for your feelings, sitting with them rather than trying to resist them.
Be honest and open. Depression doesn’t care what day it is. Whether you’re having a #bluemonday, Tuesday or Thursday the CALM helpline is open every day on 0800 58 58 58
For more ways to get help, articles and helpful resources go to our Where's Your Head At? webpage