[2024] Blue Monday depressing day – How do you overcome it? - Depression Open Talks

The third Monday in January is known as “Blue Monday depressing day of the year“. Yet why? We know the answer and offer strategies for overcoming this depression-tagged day. Let’s uncover it with Depression Open Talks.

Overview of Blue Monday depressing day

The third Monday in January, also known as Blue Monday, is supposedly the “most depressing day of the year.” The idea, which was inspired by a press release from a UK travel agency, claimed that the colder winter nights and the financial collapse after Christmas made life miserable.

Since its inception, it has been incorporated into advertising campaigns all over the country to persuade consumers to indulge in the supposedly depressing day of the year.

Where did the term “Blue Monday depressing day” come from?

The concept first appeared in a press release from Sky Travel, a now-defunct UK travel agency, in 2005. They claimed to have used an equation to determine the date. The author of the original publication seemed to be Arnall, a tutor at Cardiff University’s Center for Lifelong Learning. It was initially used as a marketing tool to promote travel reservations.

Why is it called Blue Monday depressing day?

Determining which day is the “most depressing day” of the year involves a number of factors, including everything from the distance between Christmas and the level of debt.

Others have drawn a connection between Blue Monday and seasonal affective disorder, a depression that fluctuates with the seasons. However, a mental health advocacy group called Mind is dismissive of the idea of Blue Monday and maintains that it is unsupported by scientific research.

Indeed, there is no scientific proof that the 3rd Monday of the year is any more or less depressing than other days, despite the fact that it is widely accepted by the British public.

The Blue Monday theory is supposedly based on environmental factors after Christmas, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support it. This is the time when people are most likely to experience sadness or depression due to the gloomy winter weather, the post-Christmas slump, and feeling guilty about broken New Year’s resolutions. All of these can contribute to a sense of deflation and lack of motivation, making you feel depressed.

How do you overcome Blue Monday depressing day?

The following are our top 4 suggestions for surviving Blue Monday and the remainder of the month:

1. Find the light

We frequently undervalue the value of getting some sun. Because the days are shorter and colder in the winter, we spend less time outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t come up with creative solutions. Buy a light therapy box if you frequently experience seasonal depression. Or even just making sure you have plenty of light is very beneficial, according to licensed clinical psychologist Nicole Issa.

Make sure to turn on all of your lights when you wake up and leave your blinds open to let in as much natural light as you can. Try to take a quick break outside during the day to get some natural light at work. Also, you should often clean up your room, don’t turn your messy room into a depression room that will make you more depressed.

2. Make it simple

Look for ways to simplify your life as January can be stressful. Say no to requests you don’t want to accept and be open and honest with your loved ones so they can understand your true emotions. By being honest with them, you’ll feel more connected and close to them.

3. Don’t put pressure on yourself

Setting goals and resolutions for the new year is a great motivator, but don’t let those goals turn into beating sticks if you fall short. You are doing your best, so don’t mistreat yourself.

It doesn’t definitely follow that a bad day will lead to a bad week, month, or even year. You’re still trying your best so don’t push yourself too hard to make life easier.

4. Consult a mental health professional for assistance.

Finally, think about working with a mental health professional if you’re concerned about how you’ll feel on the most depressing day of the year or throughout the winter in general. According to licensed mental health counselor Brie Shelly, “I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of clients interested in therapy during this time of year, and I see so many clients greatly improve their mood after a few sessions.”

Even if you feel your life is going well, there is something about the darkness and cool, gray weather that can feel isolating. Don’t feel bad about asking for help. We all go through challenging times.

📚 Related Blog: How to get motivated when depressed

Final thoughts: Blue Monday depressing day

And above is the information shared about Blue Monday depressing day. Hopefully, the information given in the article has helped you better understand Blue Monday. You can know how to beat Blue Monday and overcome depression in the most perfect way for yourself.

References

Fish, T., Fields, J., Nichols, J., Gingrich, N., Speaks, A., & DePetris, D. R. (2022, January 16). Blue Monday 2022 Date: What You Need to Know About ‘The Most Depressing Day of the Year‘. Newsweek. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.newsweek.com/blue-monday-2022-date-depressing-day-year-1667319

Nelson, A. (2022, January 17). Blue Monday 2022: the meaning behind the most depressing day of the year. GlasgowWorld. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.glasgowworld.com/news/blue-monday-2022-what-is-it-when-is-it-and-the-meaning-behind-the-most-depressing-day-of-the-year-3515319

Webb, S., Beltrao, A., Barton, A., Rogers, J., Hornik, C., Ubiera, C. R., Burke, O., Winter, A., Williams, A., Holloway, H., Fuller, A., Eberhart, C., Cook, R., Korn, J., & Rodriguez, G. (2022, January 16). Here’s why today is ‘the most depressing day’ of the year. The Sun. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.the-sun.com/news/171804/blue-monday-depressing/