What is Blue Monday and the truth behind the 'most depressing' day of the year

by 24britishtvJan. 16, 2023, 10:40 p.m. 35
-

Monday, January 16 marks this year's Blue Monday - the day when we're supposedly feeling the lowest we'll feel all year.

In a way, it's understandable - the weather is cold and grim, payday seems like forever ago and the excitement of Christmas and New Year has long since worn off.

Not to mention being back at work and the added pressure of our New Year's resolutions that we may be feeling guilty about breaking already. But is there genuinely a reason why the third Monday in January is more 'depressing' than the rest?

The concept of Blue Monday is actually based on a formula created by psychologist Cliff Arnall.

Back in 2004, he identified the main factors that are likely to cause sadness - weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year's resolutions, low motivational levels, and the feeling of needing to take action.

Putting all of these concepts together, the ultimate sadness formula was created, identifying the most depressing day of the year to be the third Monday in January.

But it may not actually be as depressing as it seems, as Cliff was allegedly instructed to make up this formula whilst he was working at the now-bust travel firm Sky Travel.

The so-called Blue Monday then became the centre of a marketing campaign for the company, designed to try and make people book holidays to beat the blues.

Since it was created, Cliff's formula has been described as 'pseudoscientific' - meaning there is very little actual proof that it's real and proven.

Mental health charities have warned of the dangers that the Blue Monday label can mean for those already suffering with low mood all year round.

Previously speaking of the risks, head of information at Mind Stephen Buckley said: "Blue Monday contributes to damaging misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life threatening. 1 in 6 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."

Of course, there are many things that can really get people down at this time of year compared to the summer months - weather and daylight hours, to name a few.

But it's important to remember that just because it's Blue Monday, it doesn't necessarily mean that you should feel down. It's also a good opportunity to check in on your mental health and try to do this year-round, rather than assuming you'll feel glum when the dreaded day hits.

If you're really struggling, you should speak to your GP or use the following services which are available 24/7:
• For urgent medical advice, call the NHS on 111
• In an emergency, or if you or someone else is in danger, call 999

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
• None Hairdresser warns over 'biggest mistake' when washing locks that makes it greasy
• None Kettle expert reveals hack for removing limescale using just two products
• None Mum reveals Chinese takeaway hack that has been hailed as 'jaw-dropping'

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

50 Cent Denies Daphne Joy Sexual & Physical Abuse Allegations

by 24britishtvMarch 29, 2024, 3 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

50 Cent Denies Ex Daphne Joy’s Rape and Abuse Allegations

by 24britishtvMarch 29, 2024, 2 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Stephen Bear to pay £27k over illegal sex tape of Georgia Harrison

by 24britishtvMarch 29, 2024, 1 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter: The verdict - is it Yeehaw or No Ma'am?

by 24britishtvMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Everything to know on ITV courtroom drama The Twelve starring Sam Neill

by 24britishtvMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Everything to know on ITV courtroom drama The Twelve starring Sam Neill

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

FA charges Tonali over alleged betting rules breaches

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 11 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Isle of Man closer to assisted dying legalisation

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 10 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Watch: Comedian Ed Gamble in the hot dog house over tour poster

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 10 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Fallen 'Crypto King' Sam Bankman-Fried gets 25 years for fraud

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 9:20 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Two people dead due to Storm Nelson

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Assisted dying: what are the laws in UK and what changes are proposed?

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 7 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Sam Bankman-Fried live updates: 'Crypto King' sentenced to 25 years prison

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 6 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Storm Nelson brings snow in Devon raising fears of Easter travel chaos

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 6 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Could assisted dying be coming to Scotland?

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 4 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Larry Lloyd | 1948 - 2024

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 4 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Happy Easter in a plastic egg •

by 24britishtvMarch 28, 2024, 4 p.m.2