Known as Blue Monday, this week began with a day dubbed so because it is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. While there is no scientific evidence to suggest a specific day in January as being No. 1, mental health advocates say this is a hard time of year for many people. A Gas City resident walks his canine companion downtown on Monday.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
This week started on a low note with Blue Monday, marketed as the most depressing day of the year.
Initially coined in 2005 by UK travel company, Sky Travel, it is thought that cold temperatures, short daylight hours and post-holiday stress all contribute to the feeling, though there is no scientific evidence to suggest the day is significantly worse than those surrounding it.
Regardless, many people do experience struggles with mental wellness on Blue Monday and in the month surrounding it, says group facilitation co-ordinator Krista Waddle with Medicine Hat Family Services. It can also be one of the harder months for those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder.
“A lot of people are left with bills to pay, the expectation of Christmas is done. People haven’t had togetherness and now they’re kind of lonely. January tends to be a very depressing month for a lot of people,” said Waddle. To help combat this, MHFS offers a wide variety of group workshops and groups centred around getting over the January slump, in addition to its regular programming.
Topics included setting aspirations and goals for the new year earlier this month, with upcoming programs including Beating The Winter Blues on Jan. 22 and Healing After The Holidays on Jan. 28 through the Recovery College.
“A lot of our courses in January are focusing on things like beating the winter blues, shorter days, colder weather and how it can take a toll on their mood and energy,” said Waddle. “We offer practical ways to lift people’s spirits, help them get motivated and feel more like themselves through the winter months.”
These programs are free to attend and are offered as well as those less focused on the month of January, such as the caregiver connections support group for those balancing the needs of someone else on top of their own, burnout support for professionals and an upcoming online program simply titled, “Why Am I So Tired?”
The goal, says Waddle, is to provide low-barrier support to members of the community, be that through group programming or by individual counselling, which is available at affordable rates.
Those seeking support or merely curious about what MHFS or the Recovery College have to offer are encouraged to call 403-504-8026, or visit either mhfamilyservice.com or recoverycollegemedicinehat.ca, for more information on the various groups and programs available.
“We try to make it fun and we try to take the stigma out of mental health by creating safe spaces and fun environments” said Waddle. “Our goal is always that when a person walks out of the door, they feel lighter.”
