Although Blue Monday was created as a marketing stunt, attention has been paid to the ‘most depressive day of the year’ in various ways for years. Also on the grounds of GGZ Drenthe, where a walking and running route has been set out today.
The organizers were pleasantly surprised by the high turnout. Despite the gray, wintery weather, about sixty employees and patients participate. “Last year we already paid attention to this day in a small way,” says Esther Arends, mental health advisor at Dokter Drenthe. “And look where we are now.”
Doctor Drenthe knows how to find GGZ Drenthe in the initiative, where the MIND Foundation also contributes in the background. The goal is to break the taboo surrounding mental problems. “By getting active and talking to each other, you remove the stigma,” says Nynke Wielinga.
The team manager of GGZ Drenthe has experienced it himself. “I know what it’s like to be in a valley,” she says. “Then it is good to know that you are not alone and that help is always available.”
Exercise has a proven positive effect on mental health, says Arends. “How important is it to get some fresh air? A good conversation goes a long way.”
Afterwards, every participant in the event on the Asser GGZ site received a wooden medal, made by people from the day care center of the Center for Mental Disability and Psychiatry.
Next year, GGZ Drenthe, Doctor Drenthe and the MIND Foundation want to organize another run on the site.