Feeling blue? Help is on hand (From Cotswold Journal)

The most depressing day of the year is here

5:13pm Monday 21st January 2013 in News By Freya Leng

HELP is at hand for anyone feeling down on what is thought to be one of the most depressing days of the year.

Blue Monday, which this year falls today, is said to be the day when a number of factors conspire to create the most depressing day of the year.

However, nobody need suffer in silence, as help is available from the experts at Let’s Talk – a psychological therapy service provided by the 2gether NHS Foundation Trust.

“Blue Monday is a concept which has been spoken about for several years now,” said Consultant Clinical Psychologist Alison Sedgwick-Taylor of 2gether.

“It is the day when we may be coping with bad weather and dark evenings, we may have worries about money made worse by Christmas, our New Year’s Resolutions are on the wane and we feel a general lack of motivation.

“But it need not be a day to feel down. You can put the day to good use in a number of ways, one of which could be deciding to look after your mental health, particularly if you have been struggling with anxiety or depression for a while.

“We are here all year round to offer free therapy, support and advice on overcoming depression, anxiety, and stress.

“All it takes is one phone call to us, or a visit to your GP if you prefer, and you can take the first step in improving your mental wellbeing.

"Blue Monday is as good a day as any to take the initiative and turn your life around for the better.”

Residents can call 0800 073 2200 and speak directly to a trained therapist.