An MP has spoken out in support of an online men's mental health group on 'Blue Monday', the day often cited as the most depressing of the year. The group, Blue Soul Shoes, was founded by a mental health campaigner who experienced depression and anxiety himself.
Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, spoke in support of Blue Soul Shoes, an online men's mental health group, stating that men suffering with their mental health 'do not need to be alone' on what has been dubbed ' Blue Monday ', the purported most depressing day of the year.
The third Monday in January is popularly known as 'Blue Monday' due to a confluence of factors such as post-holiday debt, cold weather, and unfulfilled New Year's resolutions, which can contribute to feelings of low spirits. Ashley Riley, a mental health campaigner based in Northamptonshire, founded Blue Soul Shoes after personally experiencing depression and anxiety following a panic attack. Riley emphasized the significance of men in public positions, like Lee Barron, openly discussing the importance of men addressing their mental health. He stated, 'It is more important than ever that men in the public eye, men like Lee Barron, speak up and share the importance of men not ignoring one of the most important parts of their health.' The NHS, the national health system of the United Kingdom, found that 77% of men have experienced symptoms such as anxiety, stress, or depression, but a concerning 40% have never sought help or confided in anyone about their mental health struggles. Barron acknowledged the widespread impact of mental health challenges, stating, 'I know from the people I speak to that challenging mental health is one of the biggest pressures middle-aged men are experiencing.' He continued, 'Meeting Ashley, hearing of his experience and the work of Blue Soul Shoes shows there is so much more to be done and on today of all days, it is something we must be more open to talk about. There is no shame and there is no judgement. If you broke your leg you wouldn't decide to just get on with it.' Riley expressed appreciation for the government's initial steps in addressing mental health, saying, 'It has been an encouraging start from the government in approach and investment in mental health services. But this needs to be just the start.'
MENTAL HEALTH MEN's HEALTH BLUE MONDAY SUPPORT GROUPS WELLNESS
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