TwoToday marks the annual designated ‘Blue Monday’ and is supposed to be the bleakest day of the calendar year, local charity ‘Talking Cherries’ look to change this as they join campaign ‘Brew Monday.’
Blue Monday was originally thought up by Dr Cliff Arnall who was tasked with helping travel agencies find an ideal day to sell holidays.
‘Brew Monday’ presents a challenge to this now popular and commercially generated idea.
Instead of treating the third Monday of every year as the bleakest day of the year, take the opportunity to have a catch up over a cup of tea with friends or family.
The campaign is primarily being promoted by Samaritans across the country and locally, but other smaller charities have joined together in support.
Simon Kay, Founder of AFC Bournemouth and mental health support charity ‘Talking Cherries’ said: “All that anybody who’s going through something often wants is a chance to talk.”
You don’t have to travel that far to find people experiencing issues with their mental health.
One of the reporters at BUzz News, who wished to remain anonymous kindly agreed to open up and speak about how important it is to open a conversation about mental health.
She said: “If you can’t afford therapy I think being able to have trusted people around you as an outlet is very beneficial… every single person has issues.”
In her own experience, sharing the burden with your network and the appropriate services is a necessary process in maintaining good mental health.
“Having things like Brew Monday or services like Samaritans that you can talk to is so important.”
One in six people experience mental health problems like anxiety or depression every week in England and the importance of coming together within communities has never been more prevalent.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health don’t hesitate to reach out to a loved one or reach out to the services listed below:
Samaritans: 116 123
Dorset Mind: Dorset Mind
VitalityHealth to Relocate in Bournemouth