Feeling blue? It’s always good to talk…

‘I am both confident and determined that 2021 will be brighter than the last 12 months’ – Acting Mayor’s New Year Message

Acting Mayor Wendy Simon

Today is apparently the most depressing day of the year.

“Blue Monday”, as it’s called.

Given the fact we’re under our third lockdown, I suspect your mental wellbeing may not be as strong as usual. 

Let me just say from the outset, it is completely normal to experience feelings of worry, sadness or confusion over the lockdown.

Fortunately, there are many resources and services in Liverpool that can provide support – all of which can be found online at www.liveyourlifewell.info.

The first – and most important – step is to not to be afraid to ask or to seek help. 

We can all look after our mental health by talking through an issue with somebody you can trust: a family member, friend, colleague or professional service such as Life Rooms or The Samaritans.

For some self-help, ALMA is a dedicated health and wellbeing website developed by the NHS and councils on Merseyside. It’s free to use – https://www.almahealth.co.uk/

There can be times when we need further support, especially if feelings of anxiety or depression have remained over a prolonged period such as during lockdown.

In these instances you can speak to your GP or Talk Liverpool who offer useful resources and self-help information at www.talkliverpool.nhs.uk

Of course, there is a glimmer of hope for us all when it comes to the lockdown – the vaccine.

I would encourage everyone who is offered a jab to take it. It is our quickest route back to normality.

These long winter months are always the hardest, but spring is on its way. 

And although we must all abide by the rules to stay home as much as possible, we are fortunate in Liverpool to have so much natural beauty on our doorstep.

So yes, it’s blue Monday. But a quick walk along the blue Mersey or in our green parks will always help lift the mood – even on the greyest of days.

And why not use today as an excuse to reach out to a friend or relative you’ve not spoken to in a while. 

As the saying goes, it’s always good to talk.

Cllr Wendy Simon
Acting Mayor of Liverpool City Council

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