Blue Monday – Busting The Myth

The third Monday of January is known to many as ‘Blue Monday’. Although January can be a difficult month for many of us, with the shorter days, colder weather, and festive season over, there is no scientific evidence to back ‘Blue Monday’. Mental health professionals and services across the UK have a different take on the ‘Blue Monday myth’. Find out more in our blog below.

How did ‘Blue Monday’ begin?

Back in 2005, Cliff Arnall, a Welsh psychologist, came up with a formula for the most depressing day of the year to help a travel company sell summer holidays. Factors that Arnall used included weather, debt, time passed since Christmas, low motivation levels, and failing New Year’s resolutions.

Twenty years later, and this seemingly harmless marketing campaign has grown into a commercial day that many worry trivialises depression, and creates damaging misconceptions about mental health and illness.

Why do many people struggle with their mental health in January?

Whilst there are no scientific studies that back up the concept of ‘Blue Monday,’ January can be a particularly challenging month.

December is often full of events, festive fun, and gifts. When normality resumes in January, this can negatively affect our mental health. Some of us may also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder which can result in low mood, fatigue and changes to sleeping or eating habits. Additionally, activities that are usually beneficial for our mental health, such as exercising and spending time outdoors in sunlight, can be harder to do when the days are shorter and colder. 

Depression and other mental health conditions last longer than a ‘one day event’, and our mental health can fluctuate in different ways on any day of the year. We believe that mental health and wellbeing should not be minimised by the Blue Monday myth.  

How can Bath Mind support my mental health?

We are a local and independent mental health charity with services operating across Bath and North East Somerset. Many of our services are open 365 days a year, and we have digital self-care resources on our website which you can access anytime. 

  • Take a look at the groups and services we offer, and self-refer
  • Explore activities you can try to support your own wellbeing 
  • If you’re in need of immediate support with your mental health, visit our ‘Help now’ page and reach out. You are not alone. 

Posted on: 12th January 2025

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