Housing First Dual Diagnosis Team Blog: Blue Monday - Is it a real thing?
The GMMH Housing First Dual Diagnosis team blog this January does some myth-busting around ‘Blue Monday’ and encourages everyone to talk about Samaritan’s ‘Brew Monday’ instead. Connect with your family, friends, colleagues and loved ones over a brew, because mental health matters every day.
The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but this is a myth, claim Samaritans.
The phrase was actually coined in 2004 by a travel company, which the Mental Health Foundation describes as a ‘PR stunt’ and a ‘myth’ to help sell holidays. ‘Blue Monday’ was first referenced in a press release by Sky Travel in 2005 and the campaign behind the awareness day claimed that the combination of bad weather, post-Christmas debt and failed New Year’s resolutions all contributed to this idea of ‘Blue Monday’.
We know that there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – everyone as their good days and bad days, regardless of what day of the year it is.
Samarians want to put a stop to this myth about today being 'blue' and instead are promoting connection with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, over a brew! You may have already heard people; friends, family, colleagues referring today as ‘Blue Monday’. Let’s try and change that narrative, let’s talk about ‘Brew Monday’ instead and encourage connection, so that people who may be struggling right now don’t feel worse.
To find out more about “Brew Monday” visit: www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/
The Mental Health foundation have also shared in their blog some things we can do to protect our mental health. They mention talking about your feeling with someone you trust. Trying to keep active, eat well and drink sensibly also helps our mental health. Remember that you’re not alone and we’re here to help. You can call our 24/7 mental health crisis helpline at any time for support: 0800 953 0285
Mental health matters on every day of the year.
REFERENCES:
Busting the Blue Monday myth | NCMH
