January is often thought of as one of the gloomiest months of the year thanks to the rotten weather, short days and post-Christmas budgeting.
However, something uniquely terrible is created when you combine all this with a Monday.
The term Blue Monday was first coined all the way back in 2005 and is now one of the most dreaded days of the year.
What is Blue Monday?
#BlueMonday isn’t real, but depression is, and it doesn’t care what day it is. We’re here for you no matter the day 💙
— Mind (@MindCharity) January 16, 2023
Blue Monday, which is said to be the most depressing day of the year, was created all the way back in 2005 by the popular travel firm Sky Travel.
The company revealed the date in a press release after running the numbers through an advanced “equation”.
When is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday takes place on the third or fourth Monday of January every year.
In 2025, Blue Monday will take place on Monday, January 20.
Is Blue Monday real?
Blue Monday has been widely discredited by experts with many labeling the concept “absolute rubbish”.
Discussing the date, mental health charity Mind’s head of information, Stephen Buckley, said: “There is no credible evidence behind the concept of a most depressing day of the year.
“We all have mental health and we can all feel down from time to time.
“But suggesting there is a single day when depression somehow ‘strikes’ more than usual feeds misinformation and trivialises what for many people is a very serious issue they deal with every day of their lives.”
Blue Monday has largely been discredited (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Recommended Reading:
Suffering from Athlete’s foot? Skincare expert reveals the ways to get rid of it
Nutritionist reveals the best food and drink that can help lower blood pressure
Jessica Ennis-Hill shares top tips on how to fit in exercise around the workday
Free Mental Health Helplines
While Blue Monday may not be a real thing, poor mental health is, affecting around 25% of people at some point in their lives.
If you or someone you love needs some support, try one of these free helplines:
-
Samaritans – 116 123
-
SANEline – 0300 304 7000
-
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652
-
Campaign Against Living Miserably – 0800 58 58 58
For more information, guidance and support, visit Mind.