Written by Chuck LeBlanc

Blue Monday has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year. Could be because it’s cold, or the sun rises way too late and sets too early, or it could be that the rush of the holidays are over and we are returning to our regularly scheduled work programming. But what else could be underlying all of this heaviness that seems to roll in like an oncoming snowstorm, and how has this been made worse by the icy slate of a worldwide pandemic?

In a word: it is “isolating”

This day of the year you can feel cut off from the warmth of the sun. You can feel like you are cut off from the relaxation or the vacation buffer from workplace pressures. In the midst of this ongoing pandemic, you can also feel fatigue and cut off from family and friends. This sense of isolation can be very painful and obviously very lonely. Knowing that the depression, sadness, and sometimes grief can stem from this feeling of isolation and loneliness can be your first step to figuring out how best to take care of yourself.

But for some individuals, knowing what they are feeling and not being able to express that is a major factor in what is isolating them. It can be very difficult to feel safe expressing that you are angry, lonely, or grieving, especially if you have never learned how or feel ashamed of doing so. In these moments of moving through a day like Blue Monday, it is very important to acknowledge what is bubbling up inside and find a safe space to let it out. Whether that is the therapy room, or a close family member or friend.

The truth is we are all feeling these thoughts and emotions and they make perfect sense given where we are dealing with right now. The best thing we can do to climb out of the silo of isolation and loneliness is to invite people in, and this sometimes includes inviting ourselves in and seeing what we need.

For resources in the Kemptville and surrounding area, head over to our Resources page for a list of local resources.

To connect Chuck or one of our other counsellors

call 613-701-7574 or email us at info@ksrc.ca