Put your mental health first this Blue Monday

As ‘Blue Monday’ approaches, people in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing every day of the year.

The third Monday of January has been awarded the gloomy title of most depressing day of the year due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills.

However, the Mental Health Foundation says that as each person's circumstances are different, they should not just be thinking about their mental health on Blue Monday, but on each and every day of the year.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The health and wellbeing of the people of Wolverhampton is a key priority for the council.
“Whether or not Blue Monday really is the most depressing day of the year or not, it's a good time for everyone to take stock, think about how they are feeling and take steps to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

"Of course, this is even more important this year, as we continue our fight against coronavirus and are subject to another national lockdown. The good news is that there is plenty of help and advice out there, so please take some time to get any support you need."

The Every Mind Matters campaign, www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters, provides simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health. The Mental Health Foundation has a wide range of resources available at www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's #StaySafeBeKind campaign includes a range of health and wellbeing resources, including details of organisations which can support people struggling with issues including debt, isolation and domestic violence. Find out more at

www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/staysafebekind.

The Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's mental health helpline provides advice, support and signposting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages. Call 0800 008 6516.

If you are having a difficult time or if you are worried about someone else, The Samaritans are there to listen. Visit www.samaritans.org, call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for support.

Rethink runs a freephone service for those in need of support, reassurance and understanding – call 0808 802 2208 (Monday to Friday, 6pm-3am, Saturday and Sunday 2pm-3am). For more information, please visit www.rethink.org. 

If you are experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression for self-assessment, audio guides and other practical tools.

You can self-refer to Wolverhampton Healthy Minds via www.wolverhamptonhealthyminds.nhs.uk or by calling 0800 923 0222 or 01902 441856, or alternatively speak to your GP.

Thursday 4 February is Time to Talk Day, when the nation is encouraged to talk about good mental health; find out more at www.time-to-change.org.uk.

Meanwhile, Headspace, the meditation app, has partnered with Netflix for a series on meditation – for more details, visit www.headspace.com/netflix.