Monday 17 January was named ‘Blue Monday’ by UK-based travel company, Sky Travel, as most depressing day of the year. The concept was first published in a 2005 press release from the company, which claimed to have calculated the date “mathematically”.
There is of course no credible evidence to suggest that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed. There are certain things that may make people feel down at this time of year, such as post-Christmas financial strains, broken New Year’s resolutions, bad weather, short daylight hours – and the still lurking presence of Covid19.
We wanted to acknowledge that we know things are hard at the moment for many people – both employers and employees – and to remind you that we are here to help wherever we can. We also work with two partners who are mental health professionals – Brain Brolly who are Clinical Psychologists and Infinitytherapies4U who are trained Mental Health nurses with individual specialisms – please get in touch with us if you feel either of them could support your organisation.
In addition, we have close links with Cruse Bereavement Care (Scotland) who offer compassionate grief and bereavement support in Scotland, together with free support for workplaces should they be affected by a suicide. Again, please feel free to get in touch with us if you feel your business would benefit from this type of support.
Please also find attached a list of organisations who currently offer Mental Health support – in case you want to signpost some of these to your employees.
Mental Health Support Services
Access to work – The Access to Work scheme is designed to provide advice and financial support for people with health problems or disabilities that impact on their job. It might provide expert advice for employers and employees or pay towards a support worker or equipment the employee needs at work. Access to Work can be very helpful for people with a mental health condition, Their specialist advisers can provide:
- Tailored work-focused mental health support for 9 months
- Suitable coping strategies
- A support plan to help someone stay in, or return to, work
- Ideas for workplace adjustments to help someone fulfil their role
- Practical advice to support those with a mental health condition.’
Mind Infoline – 0300 123 3393, or text 86463, or email info@mind.org.uk
Mind’s Legal Advice Service – 0300 466 6463, legal@mind.org.uk
Samaritans – 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org for anyone feeling low or contemplating suicide
Saneline – 0300 304 7000, www.sane.org.uk
Citizens’ Advice – advice network including online, by phone and in person – www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The 111 service provides urgent mental health assessment and support 24/7.
Mental Health Support Materials from NHS are available here:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health
A free, confidential service for anyone in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87
Phonelines open:
Monday to Thursday – 6pm to 2am
Weekends – Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Confidential and free support, information and signposting for men.
Phone:
Nationwide – 0800 58 58 58
Phonelines open: 5pm to midnight every day
Webchat: https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/
Webchat open: 5pm to midnight every day
