Blue Monday falls on the third Monday in January. (Picture from a picture agency)
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Cold weather, late nights and post-vacation bills. It’s easy to see why someone might find themselves in a bit of a lull in January. But there is one day of the month – dubbed “Blue Monday” – that claims to be particularly gloomy.
In 2023, Blue Monday falls on January 16th. It’s reportedly the most depressing day of the year, which begs the question: Why did he even deserve that title?
What is Blue Monday?
There are many reasons why January could be a depressing month. After all, you’re just recovering from the joy and relaxation of the holiday season, credit card bills from the holiday season are rolling in, and you may be struggling to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Combine that with long, dark, and gloomy winter days, and you have a recipe for melancholy.
Blue Monday, which falls on the third Monday in January, is right in the middle of this January Depression. In fact, it’s said to be one day of the year when people feel their most depressed.
Fresh from the holiday season, there are many reasons why Blue Monday is happening in January. (Photo via Getty Images)
Does Blue Monday really exist?
The good news is that there is no real evidence that Blue Monday exists. People may feel down in January, but there is no date when these feelings peak.
A change in mood around the winter months has been scientifically proven. This is known as “winter blues,” a milder form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Up to 35 percent of Canadians experience a drop in their emotional state during the winter months.
Gaining too much weight in a single day can have harmful effects. Even if it’s just a gimmick, the concept of Blue Monday can affect people’s mood. Belief in Blue Monday can be a trigger for people who are already feeling down in January, especially if they are prone to depression.
The story goes on
How did Blue Monday start?
Unsurprisingly, Blue Monday has a fairly controversial origin. In 2005, British psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall came up with the pseudo-scientific theory that a day in January would be the most depressing day of the year.
The catch? dr Arnall was paid by travel company Sky Travel to promote their holiday travel deals. It was all a marketing ploy – a “scientific” phenomenon invented to drive more holiday bookings in January.
Blue Monday started after a psychologist was hired by a travel company that wanted to promote their vacation deals. (Photo via Getty Images)
What you should know about seasonal depression
Although Blue Monday is not a real phenomenon, you may have heard of something similar. Seasonal depression or SAD (which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a form of depression that can appear or worsen during the winter months.
Changes in daylight and weather can trigger seasonal depression. As a result, Canadians are particularly at risk thanks to the reduced exposure to sunlight during the long winter months. About 15 percent of Canadians report at least one mild case of SAD, with 2 to 5 percent reporting more severe cases.
Here’s what you need to know about this very real condition, often confused with winter eclipse:
Why people get seasonal depression
Experts aren’t sure what exactly causes SAD, but the theory is that seasonal changes — including lack of sunlight — can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm. Lack of sunlight can cause problems with the way your body produces serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter that affects your mood.
Symptoms of seasonal depression
The list of SAD symptoms is consistent with many symptoms of major depression. The main difference is that these symptoms tend to appear and disappear at the same time, usually in the winter.
The main symptom of seasonal depression is a change in mood that lasts most days, lasts more than two weeks, and affects the way you live.
Other symptoms of seasonal depression include:
tiredness or low energy
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite including weight loss or gain
Sleeping too much or too little
withdrawal from loved ones
Difficulty attending school, work, or hobbies
Feeling that the world is “slowing down”.
irritability
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be treated with a variety of options, including LED light therapy. (Photo via Getty Images)
When it’s time to seek help
It’s not uncommon for people to feel down during the winter months. But depression isn’t just “being sad” — it’s a condition you can’t want away. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor as soon as possible.
There are treatment options for depression, including seasonal depression. These may include light therapy, sun exposure, psychotherapy, and antidepressants.
While your mood probably won’t improve overnight, taking the right steps can help you feel better every day. In addition to professional help, here are a few things you can do yourself:
Spend time with friends and family
Talk to others about how you are feeling
Do things that help you feel better, even when you’re not motivated
Move regularly
Eat balanced meals
Cut out habits like drinking and smoking
If possible, spend more time in the sun
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