Each year in January, the news spends some air time by talking about the saddest day of the year, which supposedly falls on the third Monday of January. This day is referred to as “Blue Monday” and despite the numerous reports disproving its existence, it is still brought up as if it is a real phenomenon.
Blue Monday first came into existence in 2005 when a London-based PR agency developed a formula to calculate the most depressing day. They took into account multiple variables such as weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failed quit attempt, low motivational levels, and the need to take action. After looking at the data, it was determined that the third Monday in January took the top spot in terms of depressing days.
Looking at modern research has shown that it is impossible to evaluate and determine sadness level of any particular day. Blue Monday arose as a PR stunt to encourage people to book a vacation, but has since had a recurring position in mainstream media each January.
Blue Monday has managed its comeback year after year due to the fact that feeling sad during the winter months is very common. Having people then say “you’re sad because it’s Blue Monday” is just giving a reason for why people feel the way they do and validating those feelings.
“I think Blue Monday is accepted by so many people because the news reports on it like it’s fact and they always say there is research to back it up,” Valerie Kruczek, a student, said. “I personally don’t feed into it too much and just take everything day-by-day, and if I happen to be sad on the supposed Blue Monday, then I’m just sad.”
Overall, Blue Monday is a fake day that has no reliable scientific backing, but what is real is seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, and more commonly referred to as seasonal depression. The continuation of Blue Monday devalues the severity of SAD as the arbitrary day claims to apply to everyone, regardless of mental state.
If you do think you are suffering from SAD, and not just feeling down on Blue Monday, it is recommended to go seek professional help of course. Other coping methods, however, include staying active, going out even when you really want to stay in, and light therapy. Seasonal depression comes about due to the shorter days in fall and winter, so a way to combat the lack of natural sunlight is to invent in a light box specifically made for SAD treatment.
Next year, when Blue Monday eventually returns to the news cycle, remember that it does not exist and any feelings, happy or sad, that you feel on that third Monday in January, they are valid.