A mental health charity is encouraging people to take "Blue Monday" as an opportunity to check in with a loved one.
The Samaritans have launched their annual "Brew Monday" campaign, where they're inviting people to have a virtual cup of tea and a catch up with a friend.
Happy #BrewMonday!☕️
Gloomy today in Dublin so why not schedule a midmorning break to grab a cuppa & chat with others.
Just had a lovely wee video call with some of my @SamaritansIRL colleagues and Niamh wanted to join too (or she wanted my coffee - verdict still out) pic.twitter.com/as2x86uzEd
— Louise Hamra-Müller (@louisehamra) January 18, 2021
Blue Monday is considered one of the toughest days of the year for people struggling with their mental health.
Regional Director of the charity Rory Fitzgerald says a simple chat can go a long way
"Stay connected with your friends and family, we all need human connection."
Thank you to the brilliant @charliemackesy for this #BrewMonday illustration
We can all still share a cuppa and slice (or two!) of cake with a friend for Brew Monday, even if it's over a video chat pic.twitter.com/fwKt8eCBz0
— Samaritans (@samaritans) January 18, 2021
Mr Fitzgerald says he'd rather see the day used to promote positive mental health.
"It's the start of a new year, we'd encourage people to try and turn it into a positive day."
ALONE Ask People To Think Of Older People Today
Meanwhile, ALONE is encouraging people to support older people today.
1/3 Bid Adieu to feeling Blue with ALONE!
We are encouraging older people to incite the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’:
•Connect
•Be Active
•Take Notice
•Keep Learning
•Give@ALONE_Ireland #YouAreNotAlone #BidAdieuToFeelingBlue #Covid_19 #BlueMonday #olderpeople pic.twitter.com/YBPQMtFmGy— alone_ireland (@ALONE_IRELAND) January 18, 2021
It's encouraging older people to connect.
They say people should be active, take notice of the world around them, keep learning and give an act of kindness.
