Health / mental health
Bristol charities battle Blue Monday at The Galleries
Feeling down? Concerned about money? Stressed about the coming year? You might be suffering from symptoms of what is known as Blue Monday.
The third Monday of January is typically referred to as the most depressing day of the year due to the weather, impending credit card bills after the Christmas splurge and the long wait for a summer break.
Fortunately for Bristol there are dozens of organisations that offer their services year-round who are ready to give you a boost. For the fourth year running charities and support groups have pitched help desks in The Galleries in order to take a stand against the blues and ask: are you okay?
is needed now More than ever
Harvey Marcus, fundraiser for Shelter
“People might be feeling quite alone and isolated and we’ve found that often they aren’t aware of what’s out there. Even I’m surprised by just how much there is in the city. It’s great to all get together and show people that there is help out there,” said Harvey Marcus and fundraiser for housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
Chloe Jensses-Lester is making origami to help with wellbeing
Chloe Janssen-Lester works for 16-25 Independent People, a support service that offers advice for young people who are facing homelessness.
“On Blue Monday we notice that there is typically a big spike of people who check in with advice agencies. At the same time we know that there are loads of people who don’t ask for help. Being in the public today is great because people who might not necessarily look for us can find us, it’s really symbolic that we can use this day to make that happen.”
Many Minds charity is tackling the blues with sparkles
Many Minds are spending the day in The Galleries delivering random acts of kindness and offering cards with suggestions of how to help others open up about mental health. Director Olivia Ware is taking an eye-catching approach to the day: “We have gotten all dressed up in lots of sparkly things as a kind of metaphor against the grey clouds of January and to sparkle things up instead.
“We know about a third of women and a fifth of men who struggle with mental health do not ask for help. We know that Blue Monday isn’t a scientific thing but it’s a great opportunity to open up conversations.”
Viki Browne also helps to run Many Minds and has made a performance based on her experiences with depression and anxiety called HELP!, on at The Wardrobe Theatre from February 24-28.
Viki Browne in HELP!, a show inspired by the message behind Blue Monday
“I have struggled with periods of mental illness, and, not understanding what was going on, I left it until I was at breaking point to reach out and ask for help. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental ill health and that is why I felt it was important to make a show about it to help get people talking about it more,” says Viki.
All of the organisations featured in this article are open year-round and support can be sought at any time. Find a full list of participating organisations here: www.bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk/blue-monday-event-returning-galleries
Read more: New app developed in Bristol helps people who self-harm
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