Today is Blue Monday, a date that has been touted as “The Most Depressing Day of the Year” since 2005. But it turns out that there’s no scientific method behind the third Monday in January being more depressing than any other day of the year. In reality, Blue Monday is the product of a marketing campaign by a PR firm, used to sell everything from tea to vacations to cocktails.
While the math behind Blue Monday might not add up, that doesn’t mean that many of us aren’t feeling isolated, sad, lonely, or depressed. Between the highs and lows of the holiday season (and the associated costs), more darkness than daylight, cold and flu season, and bone-chilling temperatures keeping us cooped up, it’s a lot to deal with.
Seasonal depression is very real. It’s vital that we recognize that this is a difficult time for many of our friends, neighbours, and colleagues. If you are struggling right now, you are not alone, and you are certainly not without resources to help you and those around you navigate this difficult time.
If you’re looking for resources, counselling or options for your mental wellness, here are some of our agency partners to consider contacting:
Calgary Counselling Centre
Offering in-person and virtual sessions, Calgary Counselling operates on a sliding scale based on income to ensure everyone can receive the counselling services they need.
Contact: Calgary Counselling Services
833.827.4229
Distress Centre Calgary
Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) provides 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, youth peer support and referrals through 211.
Contact: Distress Centre Calgary
403.266.4357
211
Calling 211 or visiting ab.211.ca is free, confidential and can connect you to an entire network of community social, health and government services. Services are available in over 170 languages in many communities across Alberta.