Unraveling Blue Monday: What Makes It the Year’s Most Gloomy Day?

A DAY in January has been dubbed the ‘most depressing day of the year’.

Here’s everything you need to know about , which started out life back in 2005 as a marketing campaign.

Blue Monday is the ‘most depressing day of the year’Credit: Alamy

What is Blue Monday?

While the term existed long beforehand, in 2005 it was repurposed as a marketing campaign for a travel company.

It encouraged people to escape the and book a holiday.

The date was calculated using a pseudoscientific formula considering factors including weather conditions, debt levels, the days since , the date people tend to break , and motivation levels.

The PR stunt succeeded in generating media buzz and sales, evolving into an annual event.

When is Blue Monday 2024?

Blue Monday falls on the third Monday in January every year.

For 2026, Blue Monday takes place on Monday, January 19.

However, the alleged gloomy date doesn’t always have to be so blue.

The Samaritans coined a new term for the day – Brew Monday.

A post shared to the charity’s official website read: “At Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.

“So we say it’s time to stop this myth about Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew! ​Reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.

“Any day can be a Brew Monday. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice.

“If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.”

Why is Blue Monday the considered the most depressing day of the year?

As previously mentioned, deciding which is the “most depressing day” of the year involved various factors including the distance from Christmas, levels of debt and .

Others have linked Blue Monday to (SAD), which is a type of related to changes in the seasons.

No scientific studies have ever backed up the theory

Dr Shari McDaid

SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.

However, experts at University have said Blue Monday is as miserable as any other day in January or February.

Dr Shari McDaid, lead at the Foundation’s work on poverty and financial strains said: “Blue Monday is traditionally the third Monday of January each year and the common myth is that it’s the most depressing day of the year, based on false calculations of cold weather, post-Christmas debt, and returning to work.

“No scientific studies have ever backed up the theory.

“Mental health ‘good’ and ‘bad’ days are unique to each of us, and the Mental Health Foundation has expert advice and information year-round to help support good mental health.

“There are a range of free-to-download publications including ‘Our best mental health tips backed by research’, which details the things we all need do to protect our mental health.

“This includes getting enough sleep/rest, exercising, eating well, and being kind to yourself and others.”

In 2024, mental health Mind also dispelled the notion of Blue Monday.

A statement on its official website reads: ‘’This year we wanted to dispel the myth that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year and remind people that depression is a serious condition that can affect people on any day.’’

Beat the winter blues with a cup of ‘positivi-TEA’Credit: Alamy

What can you do to beat Blue Monday?

There are several ways you can turn Blue Monday into a positive day for both your mind and .

Here are just some of the things you can do to beat the blues and have a positive day.

• Remember you are in control – first and foremost, it is important to remember that you are in control.
• Have a cup of positivi-TEA – the Samaritans are encouraging everyone to reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague for a cuppa and a chat.
• Exercise – starting an activity you’ve wanted to do for ages and enjoying time with loved ones all help to banish the winter blues.
• Get some sun – take advantage of the sunshine, if you can. Go for a walk on your lunch break or try a new outdoor activity to boost your vitamin D levels.
• Read a self-care book – there are a number of books aimed at improving mental health, with tips to help and , and generally feel calmer and happier.
• Listen to a – alternatively, you can pick up your phone, laptop, or tablet and find a self-care podcast.
• Catch up with your loved ones – one of the easiest ways to boost your mood is to catch up with family and friends.
• Watch a fun – why not try watching a feel-good film to make you smile? Pick one of your favourites, or a classic you have never seen, and sit back and relax.
• Reach out – sometimes the January blues go much deeper and you may be suffering in a way that can’t be solved with a simple fix.

As well as the above, we have also shared several – from smiling at a stranger to wearing bright colours, we reveal all you need to know.

If you are struggling with feelings of depression over a long period you should speak to your doctor, or a trusted family member or friend.

Remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health – you will not be wasting anyone’s time.

There are a number of helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen.

They won’t judge you and could help you make sense of what you’re feeling.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website for more information and available helplines.

Listening line staff will let you talk through your feelings and experiences without judging you or telling you what to do.

Many listening services let you talk for as long as you need.

As well as phone numbers to call, some organisations routinely offer support in other ways, including emails, messages, or web chat.