First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday.
Now it is time for Blue Monday (January 26 ).
According to experts, inclement weather, the arrival of the credit card bill after Christmas, and the failure to stick to New Year resolutions all combine to make us feel bleaker and more short fused than ever on the last Monday of each January.
Anger management counsellor Peter Devers, who is the regional consultant for the Irish Association of Anger Management, says Blue Monday is one of its busiest times of the year.
“People often face up to the prospect of post-Christmas issues such as family conflict, overspending and recession related issues,” said Mr Devers.
“Add to this, the arrival of pre-Christmas shopping bills and lack of exercise, and you have the potential for the perfect storm.”
The Irish Association of Anger Management is now running a two-day anger management programme offered at Knock Counselling Centre on Saturday and Sunday, February 7 and 8.
Ahead of the course, Mr Devers said unrealistic expectations should be kept in check to help beat the blues and angry outbursts this Monday.
“At this time of year, it is important to look at and adjust our expectations,” he advised. “Unrealistic expectations can often lead us to feel anger and express it in an inappropriate way which hurts ourselves and those we love”.
For further information, contact Mr Devers on (094 ) 9375032 or visit www.knock-shrine.ie
