Is Blue Monday real?

Every January there’s a lot of chatter about Blue Monday, the “most depressing” day of the year.

Though not based in any particular scientific research, it’s a term that crops up consistently at the start of each year and attributes factors like postholiday weight gain and the first day back to work for the source of the “blue” mood.

While it is true that in the cold and dark winter months some will be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), for many depression is not something limited to a single month or season.

Mental health charities like Mind and The Mental Health Foundation have since debunked the term, however, mental health remains an important topic to consider and Blue Monday provides an opportunity to talk about the realities of mental health.

It is important to recognise feelings of sadness and anxiety as they happen – these can be temporary emotions and ones that everyone will experience from time to time – and to distinguish them from long-term mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, which can be lifelong illnesses with serious debilitating impacts on day-to-day life.

Often, mental health problems are considered an “invisible” illness, as it can be difficult for those who live with mental health problems to be able to express this to those around them and to ask for help.

In speaking more openly about and placing greater value on mental, and not just physical health, we can work together to break the stigma.

Many treatments are available from talking therapies, to holistic lifestyle changes, to prescription medication. Speak to your GP if you think you may benefit and remember, help is always available.