Health advocates in Manitoba are urging people to engage in open conversations on Blue Monday, purportedly the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday, a concept that originated nearly 20 years ago, falls on the third Monday in January and was initially conceived for economic reasons by a travel company.
Ayn Wilcox, Executive Director of Klinic Community Health, noted the day’s evolution to become a platform for discussing mental health, particularly addressing seasonal affective disorder and the winter blues. Dr. Ganz Ferrance, a registered psychologist, highlighted factors contributing to the day’s potential gloominess, such as shorter days, limited sunlight, and the post-holiday blues.
Ferrance explained how the amount and type of light impact the body’s serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. The winter months may lack the right spectrum of light to stimulate serotonin, potentially affecting people’s emotional balance.
Post-holiday blues, limited social events, and financial strain are additional contributors to the feelings of melancholy associated with Blue Monday. Ferrance emphasized the importance of self-care, urging individuals to prioritize their well-being, especially if they have responsibilities towards others.
Mental health advocate Kai Solomon shared their personal experience living with depression, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Solomon emphasized the significance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly after losing a mentor to suicide. Daily activities, including meditation, time with loved ones and pets, and therapy, have played a crucial role in Solomon’s mental health management.
On Blue Monday, advocates and experts aim to convey the message that individuals experiencing challenges with mental health are not alone. The day serves as an opportunity to foster open discussions and raise awareness about mental well-being.
