Blue Monday
It is well known that the third Monday every January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ – allegedly the most depressing day of the year. For 2025, Blue Monday will fall on 20th January.
What is it and why did it come about? The theory is with the fun of the festivities being over, we’re back at work, the weather is gloomy, post-Christmas credit card bills arrive, and New Year’s resolutions are perhaps starting to slide, all come to a head around this time. Some say it is a marketing ploy by those in the holiday business to make us head straight to the travel agent and book a sunny holiday.
Blue Monday aside, the NHS website says that lots of people can suffer from the ‘winter blues’. It is thought that the problem is related to the way our bodies respond to daylight. They say, “one theory is that some people are affected by shorter daylight hours in the winter – they produce higher melatonin, causing lethargy and low mood, and can also be known as Seasonal Affective Disorder - SAD”.
To combat this try getting outside as often as you can, especially if it is a bright day as we rarely see sunshine during the dark winter months.
Good food practice makes a big difference to your working day, maintaining a healthy diet is good for general health, as well as eating at regular intervals and taking regular breaks. This will help with combating stress and depression.
Keep active; activity is thought to change the level of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, plus it can be a change of scene and opportunities to meet new people and socialise – which can also help.
Please consult a GP or other medical professional if you feel you need support or assistance.
Additionally, if your Christmas spending or the cost-of-living crisis is catching up on you, don’t worry there are lots of places to turn for help. Banks usually offer an annual free health check on your finances or if you have overspent and want to talk to someone about this you can contact Money Advice Service, their advice is FREE and confidential. Call on 0300 123 4561 or email money.advice@moray.gov.uk
StepChange Debt Charity – Freephone: 0800 1381111 or https://www.stepchange.org/
The Money Helper Service: 0800 1387777 or https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
Citizens Advice: 01343 550088 or https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/debt-and-money/
Support is also available via the Council’s Employee Assistance Provider, Time for Talking. You can contact them 365 days a year, via their website www.timefortalking.co.uk, by phone on 0800 970 3980, by app (downloaded from the app store or google play) or chat online to a counsellor through their Live Chat using the password TfTnow
All chats are totally confidential, you don’t need to give their name or email address unless you want to.
Click here HERE for further information on Time for Talking
Our Support Services Guide provides a list of useful contacts who offer support and information across a wide range of needs.