Why Blue Monday Just Doesn’t Make Sense
Blue Monday - regarded as the most depressing day of the year - isn't based on fact. Still, despite it being pseudoscience, it does do something right...
In this article, we'll cover:
We’re rapidly approaching Blue Monday – January 20th. Reportedly, this date marks a period where a combination of factors combine to make this day the most depressing time of the year. These considerations include debt after Christmas, motivation being at a low point, and the January weather.
Blue Monday has been featured by a variety of organisations and is frequently taken as fact. The thing is though, depression isn’t something which is usually determined by the calendar.
The science behind Blue Monday
Mental health charity Mind has commented on the matter before, with a spokesperson stating:
“Blue Monday contributes to damaging misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life threatening.”
He continued:
“There is no credible evidence to suggest that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed.”
Mind isn’t wrong, as the science behind Blue Monday is somewhat questionable. Ignoring how the equation is calculated, it’s worth noting the event was originally coined by a PR company. As the campaign appears to promote a travel provider, it’s possible the author merely made up a day of depression to encourage people to go on holiday during this time.
Blue Monday got something right though
Although Blue Monday is regarded by many as a pseudoscience, it is correct in highlighting the correlation between debt and mental health. Furthermore, its annual occurrence encourages us to chat about depression – and how we all deal with it.
For example, the Samaritans now operate ‘Brew Monday’ – a gathering which encourages people to sit down, have a cuppa, and chat. Whether dealing with depression through exercise, funny movies, or good food, promoting mental wellbeing is a conversation always worth having.
The relationship between debt and mental health
When debts start piling up, they can affect our mental health through lack of sleep, anxiety and – indeed – depression. Although the science behind Blue Monday might be very questionable, it does at least discuss how debt influences our wellbeing.
It’s for this reason that our staff undergoes Samaritan training. Trained to help those in vulnerable states, the mental health of our customers is very important to us. Therefore, if you feel you’re suffering from depression, then we advise you to speak with a GP, a loved one, or obtain free confidential advice through a relevant service such as Mind.
However, if you feel your debts are a key cause of your condition, then perhaps a debt consolidation loan could be an ideal way to get your finances back on track. Often available for those with bad credit, this solution typically takes your debts, resolves them, and allows you to just make one affordable monthly repayment.
To find out more information about how we can help with us, get in touch today.
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