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Blue Monday & the Declining Mental Health of the UK

Blue Monday? What’s that?

Blue Monday is, according to some, the most depressing day of the entire year.

CEO of Smart TMS, Gerard Barnes, explains further;

Christmas and New Year celebrations have very much become a thing of the past, and Britain is now mired in the January Blues. The third Monday of January is supposedly one of the most depressing days of the year, following failed new years resolutions and the seemingly long wait for the next payday to roll around. Debt is also factor in many households and the ability to pay decreases year on year.

The Statistics

At Smart TMS, we’ve published brand new research conducted in January 2020, which reveals a shocking insight into just how much our mental health suffers in January:

  • 1 in 3 Brits (32%) report a significant decline in enjoyment and satisfaction at work in January
  • 1 in 4 Brits (25%) said they find themselves regularly cancelling plans more often so they don’t have to interact with other people
  • Almost 1 in 4 (24%) find even basic functions (e.g. sleeping, showering) more difficult
  • Over half (58%) have witnessed a friend, family member or acquaintance experience a significant deterioration in mental and physical health as a result of alcohol, smoking or drug use over Christmas and the month of January
  • 1 in 5 (25%) of Brits say they are too busy to see a medical professional regarding their mental health

How can we combat Blue Monday?

There are lots of things we can each do to combat the effects of the most depressing day of the year. Self care is arguably one of the most vital factors to consider.

What do you plan to do when you get home today? Do you have housework and shopping using a budget and additional work to do?

Ask yourself – could some of these jobs wait or be shared with another person? It’s important to remember to look after yourself, whether you do that with a tasty dinner, a bath and early night or whether you buy yourself a treat online.

When is Blue Monday more than just Blue Monday?

If you’re feeling a little low today, try not to worry. If, however, you’ve been feeling low for some time now, you may be suffering from depression or a similar mental health condition. Tell a loved one how you’re feeling or speak to your GP to see if you can lift your mood.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of – in fact, 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer at some time in their life! Treatment is available, whether you try talking therapies (like CBT), take medication or have rTMS treatment to combat the symptoms.

If you would like to talk to our team of patient advisors about how Smart TMS can help combat your depression (or another mental health condition), please contact us:

(UK)

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