So-called Blue Monday may be here, but Oxford Samaritans believes there’s no such thing as the saddest day of the year.
The suicide prevention charity is keen to dispel the idea that the third Monday of January is particularly difficult, as its listening volunteers are consistently busy every day of the year, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds.
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What is Blue Monday?
The third Monday of every January is known as Blue Monday.
This is meant to be the most depressing day of the year.
The Christmas and New Year excitement has worn off and the weather is miserable with it being dark and dull outside.
Payday also feels like a long way off for many as festive spending starts to take its toll.
Resolutions made at the turn of the year are also starting to wear off, leaving us feeling disheartened.
The phrase Blue Monday was in fact coined in 2005 by UK travel company Sky Travel as part of a marketing stunt.
The concept was published in a press release which claimed to have calculated the date based on an equation which included factors such as the weather and low motivational levels.
Blue Monday becomes 'Brew Monday'
Oxford Samaritans is turning the day on its head and into something meaningful by running ‘Brew Monday’, which encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up.
Viv Hemming, Oxford Samaritans branch director, said: “It’s simple, there is no such thing as Blue Monday.
“People can feel low at any point in the day, week or year and we want them to know that they are never alone.
Bin off Blue Monday and celebrate ✨#BrewMonday✨ with us today instead! ☕
— Samaritans (@samaritans) January 16, 2023
Blue Monday is just a made up marketing gimmick. Retweet to help us reject the unhelpful mental health stereotypes it perpetuates 🙅♀️ pic.twitter.com/Q5bOjlAr34
“Forget Blue Monday and instead check in with people who you care about for a cuppa and a chat, as talking really can save lives.
“Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the month and year, 24/7.
To help organise Brew Monday get togethers, Samaritans have provided useful resources, fundraising tips, and information, available at www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/.
Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit.
This number won’t show up on the caller’s phone bill.
#Depression, #anxiety and #stress don't appear on specific 'days' or 'timelines'. #BlueMonday is a MYTH!
— Oxfordshire Mind (@OxfordshireMind) January 16, 2023
That's why we work to support people with their mental health every day, not just Monday 16th January...
although 364 days of holiday does sound nice... pic.twitter.com/8BXfcBuiGN
Or people can email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.
Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.
Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1
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