Have a Happy Blue Monday?

Blue Monday typically refers to the third Monday in January, which is often considered the most depressing day of the year. 

Various factors contribute to this heightened low feelings including: 

• Weather conditions
• Debt level
• Failing New Year’s resolutions
• Low motivation levels

But why today specifically?

It’s important to note that Blue Monday is not scientifically proven, yet closely relates to the symptoms associated with SAD.

The concept of Blue Monday has been criticised by mental health experts, and many consider it to be more of a marketing gimmick than a legitimate psychological phenomenon. But, if something has not been scientifically proven, does that invalidate how you are feeling? Absolutely not.

We can all agree as a whole that this time of the year can feel particularly challenging. There are many factors to this but the majority of them are based on common expectations, hopes versus reality and even group mentality.

Weather

January is associated with cold and dark weather. Lack of sunlight and colder temperatures can impact people’s mood. As sunlight exposure is linked to the production of serotonin, we are lacking an important contribution to feelings of positivity and happiness.

Unfortunately during the midst of January it is difficult to do anything about this. It does help to know though that this is contributing factor to why things might not feel as hopeful as they would any other time of the time. Awareness can help you to seek out the things you enjoy in other aspects of your life.

Debt Level

Many of you would have accumulated debt over the holiday season. The realisation of financial strain in January can contribute to stress and anxiety. Especially as many of us can hope that things will go back to normal in the new year, except you end up feeling the additional strain.

Once you are in it, it is of course difficult to avoid, but take into account:
– Cost of living
– The long month of January (Often 5 weeks long)
– Paying off new debts from Christmas

In today’s society these are very common concerns, so be vocal about the strain as others’ understanding can help lessen the pressure of creating the illusion that you are doing OK.

Time Since Christmas

The build up to Christmas can feel magical and exciting no matter what age you are. Christmas creates a sheen over day-to-day life that you can avoid.

Once that bubble bursts and you take the twinkly lights away, day-to-day can seen like it’s lost its sheen.

If you are feeling blue post-Christmas, what was it about the festive session that lifted your spirts?

For example if it was the decorations in your house, could this be the time to improve your living space for the rest of the year? Your home should bring you joy all year round.

Or could it have been the activities around seeing friends and family? Then make a conscious effort to reach out to loved ones regularly for your own wellbeing.

Time Since Failing New Year’s Resolutions 

If you set ambitious New Year’s resolutions and have already abandoned them by the third Monday in January, you may feel a sense of failure or disappointment.

It’s important to create realistic resolutions for yourself. Restricting yourself completely has been proven to be more of a detriment than a benefit. Allow yourself the things you enjoy in life in moderation so long as they do not cause any harm to yourself or others.

The new year should be for positive change, so cut yourself some slack and create a plan for yourself that you can realistically see through.

Low Motivational Levels

The combination of factors mentioned above, along with the general feeling of starting a new year and facing challenges, may contribute to lower motivation levels.

Motivation is a year-round issue that many of us are trying to tackle and understand. Feeling motivated doesn’t just come from making a deal or promise to yourself. It comes from realistic expectations, a lot of planning and careful consideration for your next steps. The more you know, the easier motivation will come to you.

If you are feeling a lack of motivation, reflect on your expectations and how you can create a new plan for yourself.

But is Blue Monday romanticising Low-mood and Depression?

Ideally it shouldn’t. And no ailment should be seen as romanticising the other. We all have our own issues, fears and grievances and no “lesser” issue should cancel out the other.

Blue Monday is a powerful way of understanding that many contributing factors can affect peoples mood, emotions and feelings. And a lot of us are negatively impacted by these factors, meaning we have common patterns of behaviour that we can change for the better.

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If you feel like you are severely affected throughout the year by symptoms of:

• Depression
• Thoughts of self harm

This goes far beyond the scope of Blue Monday and you can seek support and help 24/7 from The Samaritans.

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