What is Blue Monday and why is it the ‘most depressing day of the year’?
>
What is Blue Monday and why is it the ‘most depressing day of the year’? All your questions answered on the gloomy day ahead next week…and why it doesn’t have to be as gloomy as you might fear
- It is said that January 16 is the most depressing day of the year.
- The term Blue Monday was coined by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall
- He developed a formula to show why January 16 is especially bad for many.
- Take into account factors including weather, debt, and time since Christmas
With the Christmas and New Years celebrations behind us, the cold and dark days of January can really get us down.
Tomorrow, January 16, has been described by experts as the ‘most depressing day of the year’.
But where did the term come from and what can you do to combat the blues?
MailOnline has all your questions covered.
Today is the most depressing of the year with people’s spirits affected by their Christmas finances, bad weather and the long wait for summer (file photo)
What is Blue Monday and why is it the most depressing day of the year?
The term Blue Monday was coined by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall, who came up with a formula to show how the third Monday in January is especially bad.
It takes into account factors including the average time for New Year’s resolutions to fail, bad weather, debt, time since Christmas and motivation levels.
What I can do to feel better?
Dr Arnall, a former tutor at Cardiff University, said in 2019 that people should take the opportunity to turn the page.
“Whether it’s embarking on a new career, meeting new friends, taking up a new hobby or booking a new adventure, January is a great time to make those big decisions,” she added.
To combat feelings of low spirits in January, health experts recommend a combination of exercise, fruits and vegetables, and vitamin D to help lift your spirits and ward off the January blues.
It is also recommended to stop or reduce alcohol consumption to increase energy levels and improve sleep.
What help is available?
The Samaritans charity is not only available to people who are contemplating taking their own life.
It’s also there for those who are having a tough time, according to Laura Adlington, a Great British Bake Off finalist and a Samaritans volunteer.
She said in 2020: ‘If you think someone is struggling, ask them if they’re okay. You’re not going to make them feel worse.
‘It is not necessary to have all the answers. A phone call is such a small thing, but it can mean the world to someone.’
The term Blue Monday was coined by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall, who came up with a formula to show how the third Monday in January is especially bad.
Samaritans chief executive Julie Bentley said: “The challenges many people face over the winter have been felt even more acutely this year with pandemic restrictions.
‘At Samaritans, we know how powerful speaking and listening can be, even if it’s virtually.
‘It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s about taking the time to listen and support each other. It could save a life.’
What is the science behind the January blues?
One in 15 Britons gets depressed in winter and suffers from seasonal affective disorder.
The problem is believed to be related to the way the body responds to light.
The leading theory suggests that a lack of sunlight may prevent a part of the brain called the hypothalamus from working properly.
This could affect the production of the hormone melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy. People with SAD produce it at higher levels than normal.
Serotonin production could also be affected, further affecting mood, appetite, and sleep.
Low serotonin levels are also linked to feelings of depression.