On the third Monday of January each year, Blue Monday is labeled as the most depressing day of the year. This concept, introduced by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, has sparked conversation and controversy ever since. While some see it as an invitation to discuss mental health openly, others dismiss it as a marketing gimmick.
Sophie Edwards, a 27-year-old from Kent who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since childhood, finds Blue Monday to be "a load of rubbish." She argues that the designation of a single day as the most depressing can be overwhelming for those already battling mental health issues. As she puts it, "I like to plan ahead – so if I look at a day and see that it's labelled the most depressing day of the year I'll get anxious about that and think that I need to be happy on that day."
This time of year, with its post-holiday blues, cold weather, and propensity for doomscrolling, can indeed feel grim. However, the notion that all individuals experience their lowest point simultaneously in January has been widely disputed. "We all have our good and bad days and they have nothing to do with a random made-up day in January," remarked one observer.
The critic of this concept extends beyond individuals like Edwards. Dr. Philip Clarke, a psychology lecturer at the University of Derby, views Blue Monday as an opportunity to foster discussions about mental health rather than succumb to commercial exploitation. "I started speaking out against Blue Monday when I saw companies were trying to use it as an excuse to sell things," Dr. Clarke explained.
Dr. Clarke also emphasizes positive actions people can take for mental well-being, such as volunteering or exercising. He notes that "exercise is a fantastic thing people can be doing as it releases happy endorphins and chemicals. It doesn't have to be exercise in the gym because that can be off-putting for some people." Meanwhile, organizations like Samaritans encourage people to connect through initiatives like "Brew Monday," promoting conversations over a warm beverage.
The criticism against Blue Monday's message highlights its potential adverse effects on those with existing mental health conditions. An unattributed source noted, "But the messaging about it being the 'most depressing day of the year' can be daunting for people who already have a mental illness." Instead of succumbing to this narrative, some choose to view it as an opportunity for connection: "Instead of leaning into the gimmick about it being a 'depressing day', I use the opportunity to catch up with a friend over a cuppa."
While feeling low does not equate to having depression, it's important to acknowledge that mental health varies from person to person. As one individual offered, "Today is just another day, but if you do need someone to talk to, I'm here." This sentiment underscores the importance of support networks and open dialogue.
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