The Catholic Bishop who has responsibility for the Bishops' work in
support of mental health is inviting people to use social media to reach
out to the many people who often suffer with seasonal mental stress
during the latter end of January.
Speaking ahead of the third Monday in January, which has been
described as the most depressing day of the year, Bishop Richard Moth
said: “At this time of year many people are suffering from a variety of
expressions of mental stress. Some will be counting the days and hours
until payday, perhaps concerned about debt; others who, having seen
family and friends over the Christmas and New Year break, are now
facing, once again, loneliness and isolation. Many people are affected
by the long dark winter nights or stress at work. All-in-all January can
be a very tough month for people.”
“While professional help should always be sought if necessary, for
many a simple loving gesture can help to alleviate their immediate
symptoms. Twitter, Facebook and SMS offer all of us a free and easy way
to send someone a short uplifting message. Do consider those you know
who might benefit from contact at the moment, and please don’t leave it
there. If you can pay someone a visit, or give them a phone call, don’t
hold back. Your little gesture could make all the difference in the
world. To help, you may like to share the tweets and prayer that our
staff are providing, to signal our care and concern for those who find
this time filled with more darkness than light.”
Starting on Monday, for seven days a tweet will be made available
daily to offer a little lift for the week ahead. The themes include: You
Are Loved; Rest For Your Soul; Asking, Seeking, Finding; Be Not Afraid;
God Is Near; Hope; New Life. There will also be material on the
Bishops’ Conference Facebook page including a short prayer.
The
initiative is being offered in partnership with the Bishops’ Conference
Mental Health Project and the Home Mission Desk.