Written by Gabriella Philippou, Person-Centered Psychotherapist – Counsellor, Person-Centered Supervisor (Clinical), MPCE-Europe, MEAP, ECP, LifeMemberAPA, FMPAP
Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January, typically its third Monday.
Historicity
The concept of Blue Monday was first introduced by a UK travel company, Sky Travel, in a press release wherein they stated that Monday, 24th January 2005, was the most depressing day of the year. Sky Travel claimed to have calculated the date using an “equation” which took into consideration weather conditions and, thus, one can conclude that it only applies to the Northern Hemisphere. Apart from the weather conditions, other factors taken into account are the debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since New Year’s resolutions have been broken, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action. Even though the concept of Blue Monday has been criticized for its lack of scientific validity, it has become a day for promoting mental health awareness and self-care.
What happens within the framework of mental health
Blue Monday plays a serious role in people’s life because it serves as a reminder to prioritize mental health and seek professional support, if needed.
Blue Monday is the day to acknowledge and address negative emotions such as feelings of sadness and depression that people may experience, particularly, during the winter months.
Self-love and self-care play a protagonistic role in managing negative feelings.
Strategies that prove to be helpful are:
- Reach out: Connect with family, friends, colleagues or a mental health professional to share your feelings and seek support.
- Practice Self-Care: Engaging in activities that promote well-being such as physical exercise, meditation, going on excursions, going to the cinema/theatre or to your favourite restaurant/cafe with family, friends and colleagues for a meal/a coffee as well as embarking on hobbies you enjoy.
- Set Realistic Goals: It is of paramount importance to break tasks into manageable steps as this contributes to their timely execution while reducing feelings of overwhelmness.
- Acknowledging negative emotions while, simultaneously, making an effort to identify and challenge negative thought patterns as this enables you to acquire a healthier way of thinking, for it reinforces your self-confidence and enhances your personal development.
- Limit Stressors: Whenever possible, practice reducing exposure to stressors and prioritize self-compassion.
