Loneliness after the holidays: Recognize Blue Monday as a silent pandemic!

Loneliness after the holidays: Recognize Blue Monday as a silent pandemic!

January 18th is a special day because it falls on the third Monday in January, better known as Blue Monday. This day is symbolic of the low mood that many people experience after the contemplative holidays: the joy of Christmas has passed, the colorful lights have been taken down and everyday life has returned. Experts describe this day as the most depressing day of the year, including British psychologist Cliff Arnall. We are faced with unrealistic expectations that often result from the festive season.

But the challenges go far beyond personal disappointments. Given the current inflation, global political uncertainties and the shocking violence against women, exemplified by two femicides in Austria since the beginning of the year, it is no wonder that the mood of many people is in the basement. Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vienna has uncovered a particularly alarming development: over 600,000 people In Austria, people feel lonely more than half of the time, according to a recent study. Klaus Schwertner, director of Caritas Vienna, describes loneliness as a “silent pandemic” that urgently belongs on the political agenda.

Loneliness as a social phenomenon

Loneliness particularly affects people on low incomes, and an alarming 17 percent of respondents said they have limited their social contacts because of rising living costs. Schwertner calls for increased resistance to this development. “Social cohesion can only be strengthened by combating loneliness,” he emphasizes. This can be achieved through special funding, the appointment of a government commissioner for loneliness and cross-departmental strategies.

Caritas offers with its chat network an excellent way to connect with people who often have no one to talk to. Since the project started in April 2020, over 55,000 conversations have already been held. 2024 was a record year with 2,413 calls, a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. It is pleasing to see that around 4,100 volunteers are currently involved in this project.

Community involvement

The demand for initiatives such as the chat network speaks for itself: the need for opportunities to meet and exchange ideas has increased significantly. Caritas has also established over 100 chat benches and more than 40 warming rooms in Vienna and Lower Austria. In addition, innovative forms of living for people aged 55 and over are being tested in order to meet the growing need for social networking.

Overall, it is time to take the problem of loneliness in Austria seriously and actively work to combat it. A national action plan is needed that includes various social actors. This silent pandemic must be fought, because only through togetherness and solidarity can we create a better and more connected society that sticks together even in difficult times.