Even outside the holiday season, the colder months can bring financial pressures, low mood, and social isolation. In the North East, communities and services are finding ways to support wellbeing throughout the winter.
00:00As the days stay shorter and temperatures drop, many people in the
00:04northeast feel the strain of winter, from rising living costs to the isolation that
00:08can come after the festive period. While the term Blue Monday has become well
00:12known as a most depressing day of the year, charities and NHS trusts emphasize
00:17that low mood isn't confined to one date and can affect anyone at this time of
00:21year. Mental health organizations such as Mind UK and Samaritans describe Blue
00:26Monday as more of a media concept than a scientific measure. Samaritans stress
00:31that difficulties can arise any time of year and the focus should be ongoing
00:35support and self-care rather than a single day. I think January is an awful month,
00:41never mind the Blue Monday, but if you get rid of January you've got the
00:47air turning around so it's not so bad, but Blue Mondays definitely exist, I believe
00:51that's why you've got to work hard to get away from them. When the weather isn't very
00:58good, well I go to a Zumba class and I volunteer at the hospital so I don't take
01:04that much notice of the weather really and I don't like the darken rates, early
01:11darken rates. Go to the gym three times a week, just looking forward to payday.
01:18Here in the Northeast, NHS providers including Cumbria, Northumberland, Tynumwea NHS Foundation
01:24Trusts encourage people to check in with friends and family and to seek help if feelings of low
01:30mood persist. Seasonal stresses such as cold weather, financial pressures and reduced daylight
01:36can have a real impact on well-being. Local community groups also step in with practical support.
01:43Activities like social walks, coffee mornings and online meet-ups help people maintain social connections.
01:50The restaurant week helps just post-Christmas, gets people out into the venues etc which is good.
01:57Football's always on.
02:00We make the most of the coast of Tyne Valley. We don't stop in the house and do nothing. You've got to get out of the mouth really. There's so much on your doorstep.
02:14Yeah absolutely. I mean the weather's not helped has it. It's been pretty miserable. But again, getting a new year and the nights are drawing out a little bit and you get to the end of January and you start spring, it all feels better.
02:29Experts suggest small everyday steps can make a difference. Staying active, getting daylight exposure, keeping regular sleep patterns and talking about feelings.
02:38These approaches can help manage winter challenges at any point in the season, not just around the calendar's so-called low point.
02:45In essence, while the label Blue Monday catches attention, the underlying message is timeless. Recognising winter pressures, maintaining connection and seeking support is important for everyone's well-being.
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