On Monday, 15th January reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.
This Brew Monday, the Samaritans charity is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. It’s a simple but great way for people to stay connected and help avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. Reaching out to someone you believe may be struggling could provide them with comfort and the feeling that someone cares about them. It’s all about being there for someone that can make a huge difference.
why brew Monday?
The third Monday of January is considered to be the most depressing day of the year, the so-called Blue Monday. The concept was originally created in 2004 by psychologist, Cliff Arnall. He came up with a “formula” for the January blues after he was asked to do so by a travel company, who then used the phrase in a press release to promote their winter deals. The “formula” took into account the following factors: weather conditions, debt level, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. While Blue Monday has captured the imaginations of the general public, media and companies, many psychologists and mental health charities describe the concept as meaningless and warn that it can trivialise depression. That's why Samaritans has started a counter-campaign called Brew Monday, which labels Blue Monday a 'myth' and encourages people to 'make time for a cuppa and a catch-up'.
How to get involved in brew MONDAY?
Participating in Brew Monday is a simple but viable way for people to stay connected and avoid the feelings of loneliness. Here are some ways how you can get involved:
Host a tea party: Invite friends or family for a cup of tea, coffee, or your favourite warm beverage.
Grab a drink with a colleague: during lunchtime head to a café or go for a walk with a nice takeaway coffee and have a chat.
Check-in with someone: you could do something as simple as picking up the phone and checking in with someone you care about.
Listen and Share: Use this opportunity to have open and supportive conversations about mental health, feelings, and experiences.
Spread the Word: Share Brew Monday’s message of connection and support on social media to encourage others to participate.
Everybody has the ability to make small talk.
There is no perfect recipe to start a conversation, but you could try these Little tips from Samaritans to help someone open up when something is not right and to make sure you’re approaching the conversation in a helpful way. Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. SHUSH listening tips will give you some advice on how to be a good listener.
getting help
If you're in crisis and need to talk to someone, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling.
Samaritans - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - you can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
Shout - it offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing mental health support. Text SHOUT to 85258
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