Words by Smiley Team
Some might call today Blue Monday, but Samaritans – aware that the third Monday of January isn’t actually the saddest day of the year for many – has changed it to ‘Brew Monday’.
“We know many people find January difficult – and any kind of interaction – in person, a text, phone call, letter can go a long way to help someone,” they say. “We all have the ability to make a positive impact, and in some cases a life-changing, and even life-saving difference.”
Brew Monday reminds people to keep in touch with their loved ones. In support of the day, artist Emelie is sharing her experiences of contacting Samaritans for support while she was living with postnatal depression. She has also unveiled a new piece of artwork in support of Samaritans.
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Speaking to Smiley News, Emelie Hryhoruk, 38, from Corsham, says she has always been interested in art, and the way it can “re-focus your attention onto something that’s out of the ordinary”. She’s supporting the charity this Blue Monday, as Samaritans has been a “lifeline” for her.
“A few years ago, everything came to a head, and I completely broke down,” she says. “I had been battling postnatal depression, having previously struggled with depression.
“I couldn’t articulate how I felt; I wasn’t myself and I didn’t know how to behave. My husband knew I was unwell and one day I remember him saying to me ‘where have you gone?’. I’d not spoken about the way that I felt to anyone.”
Eventually, says Emelie, she called Samaritans. “Speaking to a stranger was a lifeline. Knowing I wouldn’t be judged and there was a safe space. Someone giving you a listening ear is so underrated. After that, I felt like a weight had lifted and so grateful to that volunteer for giving me time to explore my own thoughts and feelings.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to talk to friends and family," says Emelie. "Sometimes it’s important to speak to someone who isn’t as closely linked to you or your life. But it’s always important to talk. This is why Samaritans have got it right. They are there, 24/7, with a listening ear.”
Brew Monday is a concept she loves, the artists adds, because “the sheer simplicity of it, yet the scope it could reach in helping people to get together, whether in person or via technology, is huge”.
“My new work hopes to encourage people to do just that - to reach out and talk to one another - to prioritise the time to talk, to relax with a friend and check in with each other,” she says. “I’m so happy to be able to support Samaritans after the help they gave me. Seeing my piece being shown on screens at Network Rail stations across the country will be a proud moment, and if it helps even one person who is currently struggling, that would be amazing.”
Prints of her painting will be available to buy via the Samaritans online shop, with proceeds directly supporting the charity.
Find Emelie's work, and how it supports charity initiatives, at www.emelieart.com.
You can find out more about Brew Monday and support the campaign’s cause through getting involved or donating. Head to Samaritans.org to find out more.
