'Blue Monday' expected to see increase in stress and anxiety

A national mental health charity, has stated it is expected that ‘Blue Monday’ will bring an increase in stress and anxiety levels.

‘Blue Monday’, January 16, falls on the third Monday of January, and is believed to be particularly stressful due to the combination of post-Christmas blues, the gloomy weather and many people being in ‘the red’ with credit card bills or stretching their December pay-cheque.

Turn2Me stated that many may also feel demotivated if they have already broken their post-Christmas healthy diet or New Year’s Resolutions.

“We expect to see a lot of people engaging with our free mental health services on Blue Monday,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said: “It can be a stressful and anxious time for many people. There are lots of ways to improve these levels of stress and anxiety like practising self-care, reducing alcohol intake, being around nature, meeting a friend for a walk or a cup of coffee, journaling, yoga and getting enough sleep.

“Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to every adult in Ireland and unlimited support groups on anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues.”

Turn2Me is running free mental health services for anyone struggling with their mental health in 2023. Turn2Me offers free one-to-one counselling sessions, free support groups, and a free ‘Thought Catcher’ mood diary. To sign up for any of these free mental health services, go to Turn2Me.ie