This ‘Blue Monday’, 17th January, Samaritans are reminding us about the benefits of connecting with others by turning the most depressing day of the year into Brew Monday.
They’re encouraging us to chat with a friend, colleague, or family member over a cup of tea to help banish those January blues.
It can be easy to think that you’re alone if you are feeling anxious or down, but many people will be sharing the same feelings. We’ve all had a lot to deal with in recent times so talking to someone can reduce feelings of isolation and allow us to process and reflect on what’s going on in our lives.
Many of us will have adapted to a different way of living and working over the last couple of years so there’s less opportunity to talk in person. However, there are still plenty of ways we can connect with others even if we can’t see them directly – think video calls, Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype.
Active listening
Why not check in with a friend who you’ve not spoken to in a while and listen closely to what they say. It might take some people longer to work through what’s on their mind, so don’t rush them. Active listening means you don’t have to offer advice or a solution to someone’s problems, but it can help to acknowledge what’s been said to offer reassurance. Check out the Samaritans handy SHUSH listening tips to help you offer support to others.
If you aren’t sure who you can talk to, our helpline is always there for you to offer practical advice and in the moment emotional support. Contact us today to find out more about the service.