Blue Monday: the importance of mental health
Many companies and charities have given their advice for maintaining wellbeing and mental health
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Monday, 15 Jan 2024 11:29 GMT
Organisations have reminded the public that any day can see people needing support, not just Blue Monday
Taking place on the third Monday of each new year, Blue Monday has become a day to remember the importance of mental health after being dubbed “the most depressing day of the year”.
Blue Monday was invented by UK travel company, Sky Travel, in 2005 after using an equation which calculated factors like weather, debt levels, time since Christmas, and motivational levels to determine the saddest day in the calendar year.
To mark this day many charities and groups remind the public of the resources and methods available to them in order to get through tough times which are accessible all year round, not just in January.
Neil Lovell, chief executive officer of The Printing Charity, says: “The third Monday in January now has a reputation as the most depressing day of the year, but of course our feelings and challenges can take hold at any time.
“That’s why the Printing Charity’s free, confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year - to ensure it is there to support people when life looks challenging.
On its website The Printing Charity highlights the importance of prioritising self-care, setting realistic goals, connecting with others, and embracing the outdoors.
If the pressures of the new year are getting to you, the Charity suggests considering smaller achievable goals instead of New Year’s resolutions, in order to make them less overwhelming and more attainable.
Self-care is also highlighted during the winter time as people are reminded to make sure to get sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, all elements of daily life that can get forgotten when dealing with a lack of time or focus.
In recent years the Samaritans has titled Blue Monday as ‘Brew Monday’ and encourages people to reach out and connect with family, friends, and colleagues.
Samaritans states: “Any day can be a Brew Monday. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee, or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.”
With the recent news of business closures, declining print runs, and rising costs, it is easy to become overwhelmed or feel helpless, however, there are plenty of resources and ways to get support, advice, or people to talk to.
Many industry events can give business owners and workers the ability to network and view presentations that can act as inspiration or trigger moments for new relationships/endeavours.
The Printing Charity offers free practical, emotional, and financial support throughout the year supporting people in the printing industry as well as immediate family members.
Practical and financial support is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm while emotional support is available 24 hours a day. All councillors are members of and accredited to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Speaking to The Printing Charity, Heather Thomson-Whyte from Tradeprint, says: “We made a conscious culture shift to provide opportunities for open wellbeing conversations. The stigma attached to talking about this is falling away, and our team are much more open with their experience and concerns.”
Lovell concludes: “If you want to put something in place for the long term for you and your team, please get in touch and we’ll explain how easy it is to embed the helpline service within your organisation.”
You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 which has operators available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
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