Ah, January, allegedly the worst month of the year.
The weather may seem gloomy, the credit card bill extra painful, daylight hours are shorter, and our bodies adjust to the absence of indulgent holiday treats. This amalgamation often results in what feels like one long post-Christmas hangover.
While there are various reasons one might feel down during January, a recurring focal point for the media is the third Monday of the month – dubbed Blue Monday. This notion is rooted in a dubious equation considering factors like "debt," "motivation," and "weather." A bit of self-disclosure here – Blue Monday really ticks me off. The term was coined by a travel agent to manipulate people into booking their summer holidays at a time when there’s too much month left at the end of the December pay packet. However, the media have jumped on this term, labelling Blue Monday “ depressing” and unashamedly pushing a multitude of affiliate links for items that might (but probably won’t) help you to “beat the blues”.
The trivialisation of clinical depression is what is most concerning. Depression, whilst it may be exacerbated by debt and feelings of failure in not achieving goals, is often highly complex. It is not a fleeting inconvenience that can be alleviated by payday or a few new bargain trinkets, but a potentially chronic and debilitating state that costs lives. It is highly improbable that a fixed set of external factors can universally induce depression in a vast swathe of the population every January. Yet, the myth of Blue Monday persists annually, perpetuating a misunderstanding of depression and its impact on individuals.
That said, acknowledging the challenges January brings means that even individuals seemingly in control of their lives may grapple with low mood. The contributing factors to Blue Monday can leave us feeling fatigued and disheartened. While the desire to hibernate and recharge is natural, our contemporary lifestyles often hinder such practices, further impacting our mood. It is so important to take care of ourselves and really listen to our inner selves. What is it we really need? Are feelings of sadness and low mood a manifestation of the post-Christmas period, a social contagion because everyone else at work is miserable AF or have these feelings been brewing for a while and the relative quiet of the new year has allowed them to surface?
In my perspective, January is an opportune period for rest, reflection, and realistic planning. Rather than setting unattainable resolutions, consider crafting small, manageable weekly goals that support personal development and enhance overall well-being.
If you find yourself grappling with persistent low mood extending beyond 2-3 weeks, it's crucial to recognise the signs of potential depression. These include:
- Lacking energy or feeling tired
- Feeling exhausted all the time
- Experiencing 'brain fog', find it hard to think clearly
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Feeling restless and agitated
- Feeling tearful, wanting to cry all the time
- Not wanting to talk to or be with people
- Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things and tasks
- Experiencing 'burn out'
In such instances, reaching out for support is vital. Hypnotherapy can be transformative for individuals experiencing persistent low mood and depression, in conjunction with appropriate medication. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be highly effective in breaking detrimental patterns lurking beneath conscious thoughts and reframing how we perceive ourselves, others and the world around us.
As an accredited hypnotherapist, I offer sessions for managing depression and low mood both online and from my therapy room in Manchester. Together, we can build your emotional toolkit, fostering effective self-regulation and instilling a sense of positivity for the future.
If you're curious about how hypnotherapy can support you through persistent low mood and depression, I invite you to get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat. Let's explore the possibilities of creating positive changes and cultivating hope for your future.
To paraphrase a lovely friend’s wise words, “the months are long, but the years are short” - do something today that your future self will thank you for.