Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking about all the negativity we hear daily, on the T.V. and on the radio. It’s hard, during these unprecedented times, to stay positive when all around us is chaos. We do need, quite rightly, to keep up to date with government information and advice on how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, but we also need to protect our own mental health and well-being.
Since the concept was first introduced in 2005, as a marketing ploy to sell holidays during quieter months, the third Monday in January has become known as ‘Blue Monday’; the day on which most people are at a greater risk of feeling sad and depressed. Blue Monday 2021 is fast approaching (18.01.2021), and this has got me thinking about how difficult this might be for some people. This concept has no proven scientific base, and not everyone agrees with it. It has being based on one man’s mathematical formula considering things such as: level of debt, days since Christmas, failure of new year resolutions etc.
Over the years it has gained many opinions, such as:
- It’s a load of rubbish.
- It’s scaremongering.
- Some people do seem to feel worse so it must be true.
- It only happens if you are already depressed.
- It is reported on the news so it must be true.
- It is true because we suffer from SAD at this time of year.
Some people feel more anxious and depressed at this time of year, feeling a little lost and unmotivated. Blue Monday can therefore validate those feelings. However, some people have decided to take the day as a ‘holiday’ and have fun with it, by eating blue foods, dancing, singing and watching comedy on television.
So, my question is – who would have the better day? the better week? and continue with their annual goals and plans regardless. It’s a little like the placebo effect to me. If we are told something is bad for us, we are likely to avoid it. If we are told it’s good for us, we are more likely to try it.
Depression and low mood effect many of our lives in varying degrees. Common symptoms for example are
- Feelings of sadness
- Tearfulness
- Short temper
- Loss of interest/Lack of pleasure
- Sleep disorders
- Tiredness
- Feelings of worthlessness
While it is quite usual to have an off day, seeking help if you feel like this for a prolonged period of time is your first step. Alongside this, it has been proven that the chemical in our brain that will help us to feel better is serotonin. We can increase our serotonin levels by positive interactions with people like telephone calls or zoom chats, and coffee with friends when permitted, and positive activity, may be a walk in the park (respecting government guidelines), or just an activity at home that you enjoy like crafting or painting, singing out loud to your favourite song or watching your favourite funny movie.
In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy we only look forward in life. The past is gone and with it, the opportunity to change what has happened. However, we can change our thoughts about the future and allow them to become reality. Hypnotherapy helps by relaxing your mind and therefore reducing the stress, anxiety, panic and/or depression that you may feel day to day. Using psychotherapy and trance (a lovely, relaxed feeling), we will make a plan of how to take the next step to fulfilling your goals. Details can be found here:
Online Hypnotherapy | Solution Focussed Hypnotherapy (believeachieve.uk)
If you feel this would benefit you, I am currently offering a free initial consultation, a contact form is available from my website here:
Sharon Mortimer HPD DSFH MNCH (Reg.) MaSFH MCNHC GHR Reg. GQHP
Clinical Hypnotherapist
