Most depressing day of the year?
WE LOOK AT HOW TO DEAL WITH BLUE MONDAY – IF IT EXISTS AT ALL, THAT IS
Reporter TODAY is Blue Monday – how does it feel?
Blue Monday is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year.
But how is it different to any other day of a 2018 we’re less than one month into, and why are mental health charities not happy about recognising it? Here we reveal all.
As we’ve said, Blue Monday is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. The concept was dreamed up by life coach and happiness consultant Cliff Arnall via a mathematical formula he created. You insert a number of factors into the formula. These factors are the weather, debt level – specifically, the difference between debt and our ability to pay – the amount of time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take charge of the situation.
The date is generally reported as falling on the third Monday in January, but can also be the second or fourth Monday, or even the Monday of the last week of January. The first one was January 24 in 2005.
Not really, according to reports. It’s got no real scientific basis and was originally conceived by a PR company but has now become an annual event.
Mental health charity Mind is derisive of the notion of Blue Monday, claiming the concept has no foundation in scientific research.
Mind’s Head of Information Stephen Buckley said: “Blue Monday contributes to damaging misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life-threatening. One in six people will experience depression during their life.”
Multiple branches of the Samaritans charity across the UK are aiming to turn ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’ and will be offering a cup of tea and a chat at events across the country. The Samaritans’ helpline is free to call every day of the year.
Probably best just to ignore it and carry on with your lives. Or if you’re on a day off, travel to some to some North East beach or beauty spot and enjoy yourselves. And, if it really is supposed to be the grimmest day of the year, remember that from tomorrow things can only get better.