Local therapist discusses ‘Monday blues’ and possible solutions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – KOB 4 talked to a local therapist about what so many of us are struggling with today – starting the work and school week after a long holiday weekend.

It’s hard, and it can seem daunting, but there are a lot of ways to make it through those Monday blues.

“Just the word Monday has this negative connotation that it’s just going to be not good. You’ll hear people say like, ‘Oh, this feels like a Monday’ or something like that,” said Angela Pacheco-Maes owner and director of Healthy Families of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. 

But why are Mondays so hard?

“Maybe you’re not feeling like you’re accomplishing what you need to accomplish in your job. Or maybe it’s just that you have such a good time at home with your family on the weekends, it’s hard to fathom going into that next space,” said Maes. 

Feelings that Denise Arvidson says she did not have getting back to work this morning at Warpath, but did experience with her previous full time job.

“Sunday nights were hard because I tried to get everything ready. Before I start my week at work, I would try to figure out dinners for the whole week. Especially when the kids were little I tried to lay everything out the night before their clothes, my clothes, make my lunch,” said Denis Arvidson, Warpath salesperson. 

Maes says feelings of stress before starting a new week are only magnified during the holidays.

“You just had such a good time, you know, got to see family, you got to relax — that’s a lot,” said Maes. 

But there are ways to make Mondays more exciting, or at least bearable.

“Treat your Monday like a Friday,” Maes said. “Schedule a lunch with a friend on a Monday, that’s something to look forward to right?”

Also focus on the parts of your job you enjoy.

“Why do you work here? What is it you do? Do you help others? Does what you do help others, you know, think about those things that inspire you to be there,” said Maes. 

Something that’s not hard for the folks we spoke with working in Old Town.

“Working in wine, it’s not that hard to come back, it’s actually really nice. Serving people is great,” said Patricia Silva, tasting room manager at Noisy Water Winery. “I love my job. So it helps. So yeah, for me, I was looking forward to coming back to work and not experiencing too much, you know, movement.”

For those who find it a little more difficult, you’re not alone. Angela says it is also important to know when to ask for help.

For example, if you don’t start to feel better after you get to work, or you even carry those feelings throughout the week, those are signs that maybe you’re dealing with something more serious, like depression or anxiety and should probably talk to a professional.