This year's Blue Monday occurs today (January 20).

Believed by psychologists to be the "most depressing day of the year" as competing pressures, general causes of stress, debt, cold weather and coming back from the Christmas break all pile up.

This can lead to it being a time of heightened anxiety for many and a period when people most require coping techniques.

I'm a passionate believer in the importance of mental health. It affects all generations, men and women, those with partners and families and those who live alone.

Often people suffer from more than one mental health ailment - we should and must consider all aspects.

I'm especially concerned that we all think of how our own actions affect others, more and more I hear of online bullying or even bullying by email and it's not just by children or a younger generation.

My home and phone line (01749 321421) will always be a safe space for anyone - if you need a cup of tea or someone to listen I'm here.

But we all need to be kind to one another.

I have also put together the top 10 tips on how to Beat Blue Monday:

1. Try Something new: Trying something new and stimulating your brain is a great way to stop dwelling on the old.

1. Get physical: This can be done easily by something as simple as a shoulder shake at work or walking that extra bit further for lunch to a full work out in the gym. Getting physical is a great to change the way you feel and release some endorphins.

1. Contact a friend or relative: Get in touch with someone you haven't spoken to in a while, this can take your mind off yourself and your worries.

1. Take a break: Head somewhere different for your morning coffee or even treat yourself to a trip away. Changing your physical location can change your perspective on the world.

1. Be nice to a stranger: Do something good for another by doing a random act of kindness, this is one of the best forms of self-satisfaction.

1. Help the planet: Help the planet by being green for example cycling rather than driving.

1. Pamper yourself: Treat yourself to a small indulgence or something you've been promising yourself for a long time.

1. Plan something new: Give yourself something to look forward to. It can be something as little as a plan at the weekend or a holiday for later in the year. Looking forward to something can be refreshing and uplifting.

1. Share your thoughts: A problem shared is a problem halved so don't be afraid to speak to others.

1. Speak to the Samaritans: The Samaritans are always reachable and there to help.

We need to reduce the historic inequality between the way physical and mental health are treated.

By Barry O'Leary