Brew Monday campaign encourages people to check in with friends and family

Christmas is a hectic period for a lot of people, and in such a time of excess, when it comes to food, spending and social pressure, it takes time for us to get back to normal.

As a result, January brings challenges for many people who are struggling.

The third Monday of the year is often touted as the most depressing day of the year, but this is misleading.

“Blue Monday” is just another day, and in a time when many people may be struggling, we must work to challenge this term, which originated with a travel company to sell more holidays in January.

This year, Samaritans Ireland have conducted a takeover of the term “Blue Monday”, where they have launched a campaign called “Brew Monday” to help battle this.

The campaign encourages people to catch up with their family and friends, especially those who they are worried about, and they say “it could save a life.”

Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland, said people can feel low any day of the week, and at any time of the year.

“Samaritans answer a call every 61 seconds and know firsthand how a conversation where someone can share how they feel can be life-changing.

“Brew Monday is an opportunity for everyone to check in with those we care about. Making time for anyone we might be worried about to have a chat and tell us how they are really feeling.”

Sarah went on to describe how this might make a difference in our friends and families lives.

She said: “It might seem simple to some or impossible to others, but we know the difference it can make to someone who is struggling.”

For those looking for more information and hosting events in workplaces, you can do so at www.samaritans.ie/brew