The so-called “January Blues” may not be a clinical diagnosis, but new-year malaise is reflected in rising mental health pressures, with U.K. data showing some of the highest levels of demand for support recorded as the post-Christmas and New Year period sets in.
According to the U.K. National Health Service, more than 2 million people were in active contact with mental health services in January 2025, underscoring the emotional strain many experience at the start of the year.
Against this backdrop, Bryn Abbott, U.K. Director of Development for Christian mental health charity Mercy UK outlined some faith-based perspectives for Christian Daily International on navigating uncertainty and hope in the months ahead.
“The New Year is an innately reflective time; looking back over our shoulder at the year that has just been and looking down the long road of the year ahead,” said Abbott.
“Depending on all we have been through and know we will go through, it can feel simultaneously exciting and overwhelming, painful and hopeful, joyful and sorrowful.”
The Bible is full of permission to let all of our emotions have space to breathe, according to Abbott. He opined that embracing this duality is actually beneficial.
“Mourn what needs to be mourned and celebrate the wins that were hard fought. And then get intentional. Just like our physical health, our emotional and spiritual health requires investment.
“And strengthening our relationship with God, with ourselves and with those around us can help us weather any storms that the upcoming year may bring.”
Mercy UK offers an eight-week discipleship workbook,“Keys to Freedom”, which Abbott said is designed to help participants apply biblical principles to their spiritual and emotional lives.
“It takes just 20 minutes a day, over the course of eight weeks, but it gives you a helpful framework to reflect, reframe and refresh your spiritual and emotional health,” said Abbott.
Furthermore, Abbott encouraged turning to particular scriptures of help “whether you are excited or anxious about the year ahead.”
In regard to hope, he referenced Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG): “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” For dreams, he pointed to Psalm 37:4 (NIV): “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
“These verses enable us to imagine an even better future for ourselves,” he added.
Abbott also said that prayer times should involve speaking honestly to God, at the same time as listening to Him.
“God wants to hear from us about these things too! As we pray, we are safe in speaking our hopes and dreams out to the one who holds our future - He wants a relationship with us where we feel safe enough to be honest with him about the desires of our hearts.”
Abbott’s “top tip” is to write down their hopes and dreams and packing them away with the Christmas decorations from the recent celebrations as a way to revisit them in the year ahead.
“That way, when you unpack them next year, you can reflect on the prayers that God has answered,” he said.
