Everything You Need to Know About Blue Monday and What It Means

London: So, January can feel pretty dreary, right? With the cold weather, short days, and that post-holiday wallet pinch, it’s no wonder people feel down. But when you throw a Monday into the mix, it’s like the perfect storm for gloom.

The term “Blue Monday” was first tossed around back in 2005 by Sky Travel. They claimed to have calculated this day as the most depressing one of the year using some fancy formula. But let’s be real, it’s just a label.

Blue Monday falls on the third or fourth Monday of January. In 2025, it’ll be on January 20. But here’s the kicker: experts have pretty much debunked the whole idea. They say there’s no solid proof that this day is any worse than others.

Stephen Buckley from the mental health charity Mind pointed out that saying there’s a specific day when depression hits harder is misleading. Everyone has their ups and downs, and it’s important to take mental health seriously every day, not just on one labeled day.

Even though Blue Monday might not be a real thing, mental health issues are. About 25% of people will face some mental health challenges in their lives. If you or someone you know needs help, there are free helplines available, like Samaritans at 116 123 or SANEline at 0300 304 7000.

Remember, it’s okay to reach out for support. Mental health matters every day, not just on a so-called “Blue Monday.”