Busting the myth of ‘Blue Monday’
Published on 12/01/24
Written by our partners at VITA Health
What is ‘Blue Monday’?
‘Blue Monday’ is the name given to the third Monday in January which has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year.
It was a term coined by a psychologist in 2004 when a travel company asked him for a scientific formula for the January blues for a marketing campaign.
Although the psychologist has since said he believes ‘Blue Monday’ is a “self-fulfilling prophecy” unfortunately the label of ‘Blue Monday’ stuck and is still used by companies today to promote deals that offer an escape from the stresses and pressures of life.
What’s the problem with ‘Blue Monday’?
We all experience good and bad days, and the calendar can’t dictate when those are. The term ‘Blue Monday’ contributes to damaging preconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life-threatening.
Instead, let’s mark the day as ‘Brew Monday’
In a bid to put a stop to the myth about the third Monday in the year being the bluest, Samaritans have renamed the day ‘Brew Monday’ - a day to start a conversation with family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones over a brew.
Disclaimer - all information in this article was correct at time of publishing.
