Yes or no to Blue Monday?

For some years now, the third Monday in January has been known as ‘Blue Monday’. It’s supposedly the most depressing day of the year, calculated on factors like the weather, debt, salaries, and the time passed since Christmas. Not very uplifting is it.

Interestingly, the term finds its origins from a marketing stunt in the early 2000s, designed for holiday adverts to have maximum impact. So, should we acknowledge Blue Monday?

It may have started as a marketing campaign, but that doesn’t mean that mental health isn’t important. It’s worth us all keeping an eye on friends, family and ourselves, as problems can spike in the first month of the year. Naturally, it’s all teamed with coming down from the emotional high of the festive season and get back to the reality. After all, the winter blues – or seasonal affective disorder – are very real, and there can be many challenges in your working life.

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Mental health issues are a major factor that often get looked over, which many organisations are striving to change. So, we’re here to cut through the noise and offer some helpful advice about how to help yourself and those you work with this winter.

Mental health – what’s the big deal?

In 2022-23, stress, anxiety, and depression accounted for almost half (49%) of work-related ill-health. And it can all come to a head in January. The dark, winter months can even lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that means your depression is linked to changes in the seasons.

But if you do feel yourself feeling down in January, there are several ways to combat the winter blues!

The NHS advises making sure you get enough sleep, and adequate exposure to sunlight during the day. This can be tricky in the dwindling daylight hours, but try to maximise natural light by keeping your home and work environments bright. If you work from home, try positioning your desk by a window. If you work in an office, make an effort to get outside on your lunch break.

Regular exercise is also important, especially if you can brace the cold weather and do it outdoors and in daylight, as it can significantly improve your mood. Additionally, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can help boost your immune system during the winter months, and prevent you catching bugs and lurgies!

Supporting those around you

Recognising the signs of mental health issues in a family member, friend or colleague can be difficult, especially as they may not even be aware of a problem themselves. But, if they don’t seem like their usual self, both in terms of their personality, but also their approach to life or work, it can be a good idea to check in and see how they are.

After all, you can always do so casually just to assess if it’s just a bad day, or something more serious. And you’ll be part of the positive movement to normalise conversations about mental health, especially in the workplace.

If you are concerned about someone, find a place and time to talk to them away from distractions, and somewhere they’ll feel comfortable. Ask how you can help, and remember to be patient, respectful, and open-minded. You may not get an answer straight away, but it’s important to reassure someone that you are there to help if they need it.

And remember, your role is to listen and signpost where they can find expert support. You’re not expected to be a counsellor or a mental health professional, so if you notice that the issue is more serious than just a bad couple of days, speak to a professional or seek confidential support through a helpline (we’ve compiled a useful list at the end of this page).

What should employers do to help mental health in the workplace?

If you run a business, you’re not only aware of your mental health, but you have a duty of care for your employees. Having a mental health strategy, and making sure your team are all aware of the support available will help everyone become more comfortable with discussing their mental health in the workplace in an appropriate way.

You can lead by example and encourage your team to ask how others are feeling. If an employee approaches you with concerns, either about themselves or a colleague, discuss any issues with sensitivity, the right levels of privacy and confidentiality.

Useful helplines where you can find support:

Mates in Mind: helps employers find support and guidance on mental health and wellbeing, and how they can address this within their business.
MIND: an organisation committed to ensuring that no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Samaritans: a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Call 116 123 any time free of charge, or email jo@samaritans.org.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: a helpline offering a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Open 24/7, ring 0800 689 5652.
SHOUT: a free 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope. Text SHOUT to 85258 for free from all major mobile networks in the UK.
CALM: dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Call 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm and midnight, 365 days a year, or use the webchat.
PAPYRUS: committed to preventing suicide among young people under 35, providing a confidential support and advice helpline and offering training sessions. Available 9am – midnight every day, ring 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039 967 or visit the site for more options.
SANE: a leading UK mental health charity improving quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. Leave a message with your first name and contact number on 07984 967 708 to request a call back.

Let’s turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday!

If you are feeling the Monday blues, why not pop by one of our branches? Our teams are always available for a chat, a cup of tea or coffee if you fancy, and can tell you about what’s happening this month! Find your nearest branch here and let’s turn this Monday into a brew-tiful day!

Sources: Sky News, CIOB, The Lighthouse Club

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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.