Why ‘Blue Monday’ Is a Myth—and What Actually Helps in January
The third Monday in January is often called Blue Monday—the supposed most depressing day of the year. Yet mental health experts stress that this idea has no scientific basis. Instead, they warn that believing in it could make people feel worse without reason.
The term Blue Monday was created in 2005 by psychologist Cliff Arnall. He developed a formula for Sky Travel, a travel company, to encourage winter holiday bookings. His calculation included factors like weather, debt, time since Christmas, failed resolutions, and low motivation.
Arnall’s formula, however, relied on variables that cannot be accurately measured. Scientists have since dismissed the concept as pseudoscience. There is no evidence that a single day in January is inherently more depressing than any other. Despite this, January can still feel challenging for many. Shorter daylight, financial strain, and the end of festive excitement often disrupt routines. Mental health professionals suggest focusing on practical steps, such as rebuilding daily habits and staying socially connected, rather than fixating on the Blue Monday myth. Experts also caution that expecting to feel low on this day can worsen symptoms for those already struggling with depression or anxiety. Instead of reinforcing the idea, they recommend self-care and offering support to others as more effective ways to cope with post-holiday stress.
Blue Monday remains a marketing invention rather than a medical fact. While January can bring real challenges, addressing them directly—through routine, connection, and self-compassion—provides better support than acknowledging a debunked concept. Mental health professionals continue to advise against giving the idea any credibility.
