People should tackle “January blues” by reaching out to others through Facebook and Twitter, a bishop has said.
Bishop Richard Moth, who is the lead bishop for the bishops’ conference Mental Health Project, has said: “At this time of year many people are suffering from a variety of expressions of mental stress. Some will be counting the days and hours until payday, perhaps concerned about debt; others who, having seen family and friends over the Christmas and New Year break, are now facing, once again, loneliness and isolation. Many people are affected by the long dark winter nights or stress at work. All in all, January can be a very tough month for people.”
Today has been dubbed “Blue Monday” as it is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.
Bishop Moth said: “While professional help should always be sought if necessary, for many a simple loving gesture can help to alleviate their immediate symptoms. Twitter, Facebook and SMS offer all of us a free and easy way to send someone a short uplifting message. Do consider those you know who might benefit from contact at the moment, and please don’t leave it there.
“If you can pay someone a visit, or give them a phone call, don’t hold back. Your little gesture could make all the difference in the world. To help, you may like to share the tweets and prayer that our staff are providing, to signal our care and concern for those who find this time filled with more darkness than light.”
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