Blue Monday – the title given to the most depressing day of the year – occurs today, Monday 20 January. The name comes from the fact that the day supposedly marks the nadir for many people in terms of suffering post-Christmas blues, the failure of New Year’s resolutions, and the arrival or impending arrival of the dreaded credit card statement, all combined with the drudgery of months of cold, damp and dark winter weather.
And whilst it’s completely fine and normal for us all to have a couple of ‘off days’ every so often, it’s important that we all recognise and identify – either in ourselves, family members, friends or work colleagues – when a couple of normal ‘off days’ turns into a period of several days that starts to impact daily living.
Ben Wilson, paramedic and suicide prevention lead at SCAS, is also a clinical trustee for the charity, Baton of Hope. Ben (standing on the far right in the above photo) emphasises that when you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health to the extent it is impacting on daily life, that is the time to seek help yourself or step in and help a friend, family member of colleague.
“Whether you buy into the Blue Monday concept or not”, says Ben, “depression and low mood can be a serious condition, that can affect anyone at any time. If you notice a change in someone you know, we all have a duty of care to step in and ask them how they are. In fact, be nice and ask them twice – particularly if they just say ‘fine’ the first time. It is far better to reach out and get reassurance than not to ask.”
There are a number of actions people can take to maintain, promote, focus on or prioritise their wellbeing. These include:
- Connecting with others, being physically active and learning new skills (maintain)
- Using coping techniques, engaging with family and friends, identifying your support needs (promote)
- Talking about how your feeling, using support services and trying new coping techniques (focus on)
- Asking for help, contacting your GP, calling the NHS 111 mental health service (prioritise)
Through his work with the Baton of Hope, Ben has developed a number of simple call to action posters that can be downloaded via the links below:
- End of Day – The Workplace Pledge – The Baton of Hope UK
- How You Doing – The Workplace Pledge – The Baton of Hope UK
- Five to Thrive – The Workplace Pledge – The Baton of Hope UK
- Notice a Change in a Colleague – The Workplace Pledge – The Baton of Hope UK
They will provide some signposting options depending on how people are feeling.
There is also help available 24-7 via NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or by calling 111 (option 2) for anyone who needs urgent help with their mental health.