By Maizie Booth
Blue Monday, deemed the most depressing day of the year, usually falls on the third Monday of January – this year being the 20th.
A combination of post-Christmas blues, the cold winter weather and anxiety of starting the new year concoct a long day that, supposedly, not many of us enjoy.
According to the mental health charity Mind, Blue Monday originated as an idea in 2004 when psychologist Cliff Arnall was asked by a travel firm to come up with a formula for the January Blues. This was for a press release encouraging people to book their summer holidays.
Arnall has since said he regrets the way the term took hold as a marker for misery.
While Seasonal Affective Disorder (known as SAD) is a recognised illness that often affects many people in the colder, darker months, some people argue that Blue Monday is unhelpful as a concept.
Verity Wood, head of fundraising for Base 51, a Nottingham charity providing counselling for young people, said: “I think Blue Monday is very much a marketing thing.
“I think if people are struggling with their mental health, it’s not a specific Monday causing the problem, it’s just general struggling and they should reach out for help if they can.”
Verity says the Base 51 counselling service is “busy all year round” and from April to September they had more than 600 counselling appointments booked in.
She said: “What we do notice is more people say they are suffering with seasonal depression in their counselling sessions.
“Everyone struggles when it gets dark and this has been a particularly cold winter as well so everyone’s struggling.”
Shubhansh Srivastava, 24, of Forest Fields says the long, dark days of winter are “frustrating for all of us.”
He said: “I’m from India, there’s loads of sunlight over there. Over here is very different. For me, personally, it gets a bit of a problem.
“Staying at home and taking some warm showers, that helps a lot.”
Angela Cumberland, 42, of Bullwell said: “January and February are worse than November and December for me because it’s cold, it’s miserable and there’s nothing to look forward to.”
Shanaya Choudry, 21, from Chesterfield said: “I definitely think seasonal depression is a thing. I think the weather plays such an impact on your mood; I can see it affecting me but I try to keep myself surrounded by friends and family and doing things I enjoy.”
When asked what she does to combat the negative feelings that often come partnered with winter, Shanaya said: “I absolutely love shopping, and I definitely think this time of year, retail therapy is definitely my go to.
“I also play sport, I play netball, so that keeps me quite active and that’s good for your mental health as well.”
Anyone needing support with their mental health can access several services locally.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have a crisis line open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to people of all ages, on 0808 1963779.
Anyone feeling lonely or in need of emotional support can also call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.
