"People less receptive to mental health help in January" as figures show highest search volumes for "depression"
Charity, Home Start, in Chelmsford can offer a telephone befriending service or volunteer home-visiting service.
Last updated 8th Jan 2025
We're hearing from an Essex charity that the Christmas period sees a rise in loneliness, financial strain, and mental health challenges, with January consistently marking the highest search volumes for "depression" and other self-harm-related terms.
Home Start in Chelmsford supports families and individuals who are in need of any practical or emotional support.
As well as telephone befriending and home-visiting, they offer on-line support for well-being and child behaviour.
Sarah Ferguson, a family support coordinator there, tells Greatest Hits Radio "we're not there to judge, we're here to help."
"If people can make that first step to look for support, that's a really strong thing to do.
"Once they've called we can then take little steps to improve the way they're feeling by offering support, and signposting to other organisations if necessary."
Research by suicide prevention charity, R;pple, reveals January especially is a time where people may feel less receptive to help.
In December 2023, 71% of users engaged with support options, compared to just 36% in January 2024.
R;pple is a charity working nationally to intercept harmful online searches and offer a free digital crisis tool.
It was created by Alice Hendy MBE after losing her brother to suicide 4 years ago.
The browser-based tool intercepted over 6,625 harmful online searches in January 2024 alone.
Its features include guided breathing exercises, messages of hope, and links to mental health services, helping users access immediate and long-term support.
Google Trends highlights January consistently sees the highest search volume for “depression,” with January 2024 showing a 49% spike compared to the rest of the year.
R;pple’s reach is expanding, now addressing searches linked to financial struggles, gambling, substance misuse, and eating disorders.
Free for individuals, schools, and charities, the tool protects nearly 2 million users and has saved at least 31 lives to date.