10 Speakers For Those Struggling With January Blues

‘Blue Monday,’ is a term commonly used to describe what is deemed to be the “most depressing day of the year.” Taking place on the third Monday of January, Blue Monday falls at a time when the magic of highly-anticipated Christmas festivities has worn off, bills are waiting to be paid, the weather is bleak and we are riddled with guilt that we haven’t achieved our (often overly-ambitious) new year’s resolutions.

Whether you haven’t gone to the gym like you promised or haven’t been as organised as you said you would be, a feeling of deflation or disappointment at this time is completely normal.

Returning to work in the new year is daunting and motivation levels consequently may be low, but it is essential to remember that you are not alone in feeling like this – in fact, lots of people do.

Historically, many have held the view that discourse surrounding mental health signifies weakness or even failure.

However, being open about feeling low and isolated during this time of the year, should be (and arguably is becoming) more normalised.

A number of mental health specialists and wellbeing speakers are helping to open up the conversation. By encouraging individuals to be more open and transparent about when they are feeling dispirited and lonely, particularly as the days get darker and shorter in winter, the stigma surrounding mental health can be reduced.

KIMBERLY WILSON

Kimberley is a chartered psychologist, author of ‘How to Build a Brain,’ and a governor of Portman NHS Mental Health Trust. She recognises Whole Body Mental Health philosophy as the comprehensible approach to understand mental health and wellbeing, and is passionate about the power of psychology to transform lives.

MARK HENICK

Mark Henick is a mental health expert. With the aim of breaking down the stigma which prevents people from talking about these issues, he talks to audiences about subjects such as mental illness and suicide, with a real emphasis on hope and recovery.

AIMEE-LOUISE CARTON

Following a long history of mental illness, Aimee almost took her life on the bridge beside her house in 2017. Thanks to a helpline volunteer and her beautiful dog, Aimee’s life was saved. Since then, Aimee has been on a mission to provide access to preventative care for the 2 in 3 individuals who are suffering from a mental illness but will never seek help. She founded KeepAppy, an internationally award-winning wellness app designed to empower individuals to take control of their mental and physical wellbeing.

JORDAN STEPHENS

Perhaps best known for being one half of pop duo, Rizzle Kicks, Jordan’s mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online. Having been publicly honest with his own struggles surrounding mental health, Jordan has also been very active in creating awareness around the shame attached to it.

BRYONY GORDON

Bryony has been extremely honest about her struggles with OCD, anxiety and depression all through her adult life. After vocalising her struggles, Bryony has become somewhat of a voice for the modern mental health movement. It all started when she suggested a regular meet-up for people with mental health issues on Twitter, where they could walk and talk without fear of judgement. Initially, 20 people turned up. However, ‘Mental Health Mates’ has only continued to grow ever since. Bryony is also one of The Telegraph’s best-loved columnists and featured writers.

ROBERT HOLDEN

Dr Robert is the Director of Success and The Happiness Project and so is considered to be the ‘go-to expert on happiness.’ Robert is a pioneer in the field of positive psychology and personal wellbeing. In his role as the director and founder of The Happiness Project, Robert has helped people to shift their mindsets and find happiness.

DAME KELLY HOLMES

As well as her incredible, record-breaking 12 year International Athletic career, Kelly is passionate about raising awareness of mental health, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming adversity. A trained Mental Health first Aider, she assists corporates and individuals through her commercial work and her charitable activities, in raising awareness on this subject. After chairing for 8 years, she continues to be President of the charity she founded in 2008, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, for which she won a Beacon award for philanthropy in 2017.

Alternatively, if you are feeling slightly glum and simply fancy a light-hearted pick-me-up, one of Speakers Corners hilarious comedians will certainly be able to lift your spirits...

JAYDE ADAMS

Award-winning comedian, Jayde, is an uncut gem and a force of nature. She has been nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Festival, made the BBC New Talent Hotlist 2017 and has appeared on our screens on many of the UK’s favourite comedy shows. Jayde has written her own comedy short, Bloody Tracy, on Sky, presented Amusical for Comedy Central, and co-hosted a podcast for BBC Sounds in the lead up to Eurovision.

ALEX HORNE

Alex’s endless talents make him a hilarious stand-up comedian and an accomplished awards host. Creating and starring in the show Taskmaster has won Alex critic, comics and audience praise, the show has been nominated for the Broadcast Awards’ Best Entertainment Show, a huge feat which is testament to Alex’s level of talent. Alex has his own individual quirky sense of humour that has audiences laughing from start to finish.

ANDREW RYAN

Irishman Andrew made his comedy debut in 2008 when he entered an open mic contest on a whim. Since then, he has grown in popularity and critical acclaim thanks to his cheeky attitude, captivating storytelling skill and observational, down-to-earth style.

For further information to book a wellbeing speaker or comedian for Blue Monday, call us on +44 (0)20 76077070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk.

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