STUDENTS at Huddersfield University had a unique way of beating the blues on what was supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
Members of the Journalism and Media Department joined Brazilian drummer Claudio Kron, who believes everyone’s natural rhythm can banish the winter gloom.
The Batley-based percussionist is the latest weapon in the battle against “Blue Monday” – January 18 – which was popularised by public relations man Cliff Arnall as the day we should feel most down.
His “equation”, taking into account distance from Christmas, debts and the weather, is now being used by mental health charities to highlight the need to change our routines and give our psychological well-being some attention.
The students lined up to make a racket as Claudio explained his thinking behind the power of the drums.
He is well-known in his native Brazil and after an appearance at the festival of culture in Bulgaria received the thanks of the ambassador himself.
He said: “I believe if your heart beats you can play the drums.
“In Brazil the carnival has proved time and time again to be the greatest event for making people happy.
“This will be the perfect way to help brighten up the most depressing day of the year.”
Student Tom Lay said: “I can’t wait to join in. It’s the perfect way to banish the blues.”
The creator of the “Blue Monday” equation, Cliff Arnall, was formerly of Cardiff university, but had worked in the NHS with people with depression.
Eileen Jones, course leader, said: “Our visiting research fellow Andy Green came up with the idea “Beating Blue Monday”, which seeks to promote issues of depression and mental illness.
“The students themselves co-ordinated the event and they’ve really got involved.”
One student is former New Zealand and Huddersfield Rugby International Robbie Paul who is now studying sports marketing and PR.
Eileen added: “We try to foster creativity here and events like this really do that.”
