Banish Blue Monday

These are just some of the reasons January 21 is dubbed Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year.

The final week in January is said to be the time when the end of the festive break and the long wait for summer can bring on the winter blues.

Finances can often be a source of worry, but Kirklees Citizens Advice helps households to get on top of their debt.

A spokeswoman said: “Contact us by phone or drop in at one of our offices for a gateway assessment.

“The help we can offer ranges from a simple call to renegotiate your payments to supporting you through a full bankruptcy application. We can also help you to look at how you budget for the future.

“Whatever you do, don’t bury your head in the sand as, sadly, the problem will not go away.”

For those concerned about depression or anxiety, the message is simple: don’t suffer alone.

NHS IAPT teams (improving access to psychological therapies) encourage people to go to their GP for psychological support.

Dr Sheila Lewis, consultant clinical psychologist at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who run services in Kirklees, said many people experience problems with their wellbeing at some point in their lives.

She said: “Problems like mild depression, anxiety, stress, panicking, nervousness, isolation and loss of sleep can make it difficult for us to cope with life’s daily demands.

“Go to your GP and ask for IAPT, you will then be put in touch with us. Care is tailored to each individual and we can help you get back to living your life to the full.”