Is Blue Monday really the most depressing day of the year?
How are you feeling right now? Let us guess…blue? But then again Blue Monday is approaching. Or so we’re told.
If you think about it, it sort of makes sense that you’re not going to be feeling totally tip top in January. Christmas is but a distant memory, it hasn't stopped raining and the cost of living and energy crisis means we're all broke with a capital B.
It's no wonder, therefore, that #BlueMonday is currently trending on social media.
But though we’re not feeling on top of our game is Monday really set to be the most depressing day of the year?
From where the term comes from, to advice on how to feel a little more perky, read on for your definitive guide to Blue Monday.
What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is a term used to describe the date when people are most likely to report feelings of sadness or despair.
And although it is believed to be based on a complex algorithm, many academics cite the day as being purely a result of pseudoscience.
When is it?
Blue Monday typically falls on the third Monday of January, which means for 2025, it will roll around on the 20th January.
Where did the term come from?
Interestingly, the concept of the date was first introduced to the public via a press release by Sky Travel back in 2005. The team collaborated with psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall and created an algorithm to predict when the saddest day of the year would occur.
Is Blue Monday real?
Even Dr Arnall has admitted that Blue Monday is a 'self-fulfilling prophecy', as a consequence to the number of PR companies jumping on the trend in recent years for the purpose of profit. Neuroscientist Dean Burnett has also described the concept of Blue Monday as "unscientific and pseudoscientific."
Risks of the concept
Experts say the date can prove dangerous for those struggling with their mental health, particularly those who battle with depression regardless of what day it is. In response, Mind previously pointed out that for those struggling with their mental health "Any day can be blue". The charity says one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England, and that those illnesses are not something to trivialise.
“Blue Monday contributes to damaging misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life threatening," Mind’s head of information, Stephen Buckley, previously told Yahoo Life UK.
"One in six people will experience depression during their life. It can be extremely debilitating with common symptoms including inability to sleep, seeing no point in the future, feeling disconnected from other people and experiencing suicidal thoughts."
Why people feel low in January
While the concept of Blue Monday was a marketing stunt to try to sell more holidays, it is widely thought that January is a month when many of us struggle mentally.
And this year with concerns about the cost of living crisis, soaring energy bills and rising food costs, it could be that many of us are feeling some anxiety about the year ahead.
This is seemingly highlighted by recent research revealing that more than a quarter of Brits admit to feeling more miserable than they do at any other time of the year.
The study, of 2,000 UK adults, by airline KLM, revealed how bleak the first month of the year is for many.
While almost half 48% say their happiness doesn't differ during January, 27% said it is lower compared to other months, with lack of money cited as the main reason people feel down after overspending during December.
Britain's bleak weather was the second most common reason for the blues, followed by the dark mornings and evenings and returning to work following the festive season.
How to cope with the January blues
Try to get more sleep
"Deep sleep, or slow wave sleep, results in our bodies release growth and repair hormones – helping restore the brain," sleep expert, Hannah Shore, previously told Yahoo Life UK. "Lighter sleep, like REM, allows the brain to recover. This is how memory consolidation, learning and emotional processing is achieved."
She suggests trying to calm down before bed time with a reliable routine, meditation or calming music.
Get outside
"It is thought that around two million people in the UK suffer from the winter blues, with people of all ages affected, including children," explains Dr Felicity Baker, clinical psychologist and co-founder at Ultimate Resilience. "Linked to a reduction in exposure to sunlight, increases in the neurotransmitter melatonin affect our emotions and behaviour. This can lead to us feeling depressed and unmotivated."
But there are a number of strategies that can help. Dr Baker suggests going outdoors particularly at midday when the sun is at its highest. "Sitting near windows and painting your home with pale colours will allow you to benefit from reflected light from outside," she adds.
Practice self-care
Giving yourself time to rest is key to managing the winter blues. "Taking time out to relax, engaging in a hobby, talking to a friend or watching a movie may feel indulgent but will help you to feel more energised," Dr Baker says.
Schedule time with friends and family
Dr Marianne Trent, clinical psychologist at Good Thinking Psychological Services recommends "scheduling time with people whom you feel validated by and/or those who make your heart feel full or tears of laughter slide down your cheeks."
Seek help
If you're feeling really low seek professional support. "We want to remind people that depression can happen at any time and that help is available to people throughout the year," Buckley continues. "If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one then it is important to seek help."
For more information and further guidance visit the Mind website or call the Infoline: 0300 123 3393.
Read more about mental health:
Nine ways to improve your mental health in winter (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
How to make a relationship work if you have mental health issues (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
The 5 things scientists say could improve mental health (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
