Skip to content

Blue Monday: Okanagan company wants to spread love before it is too late

HeChangedIt wants people to post, tell or show someone that they care about them this Blue Monday
web1_211216-kcn-its-tough-to-talk-pic_2
HeChangedIt has created a safe space for men to connect those who have lived experience and those looking for help. (pixabay)

Warning: this article discusses mental health and suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis call or text 9-8-8.

Help is also available through the Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 and Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 (text 45645).

This year on Blue Monday experts are encouraging people to speak up about challenges with mental health and not suffer in silence.

Each year, the third Monday of January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday.’ While the origins of what was once considered the saddest day of the year have been debunked, the day remains a conversation starter regarding mental illness.

This year’s Blue Monday falls on Jan. 15, and the founders of HeChangedIt, a mental health app designed with men in mind, are urging people to speak up.

HeChangedIt was founded by an Okanagan tech company by a group from Kelowna.

READ MORE: Okanagan tech company helping men manage mental health

The company’s “Say it, Don’t Save it,” campaign encourages people to tell their loved ones how much they mean to them, rather than waiting for a devastating event to share their feelings.

In Canada, the rate of suicide is approximately three times higher among men compared to women.

Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults.

To de-stigmatize mental illness and start a conversation, the team at HeChangedIt has created blue images that people can post on Instagram.

If social media isn’t your thing, pick up the phone or send a text message to someone you care about.

HeChangedIt wants people to tell at least one person why they are grateful they are in their life or thank them for something they have done in the past that they never fully acknowledged.

The idea of the campaign is to connect with someone.

READ MORE: Wet, cold, desperate, Kelowna tent city residents plead for fire extinguishers

Breaking News You Need To Know

Sign up for free account today and start receiving our exclusive newsletters.

Sign Up with google Sign Up with facebook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reset your password

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A link has been emailed to you - check your inbox.



Don't have an account? Click here to sign up


Jacqueline Gelineau

About the Author: Jacqueline Gelineau

Read more