When Blue Monday 2024 is, and why ‘most depressing day’ is a myth

With the festivities of Christmas over and a new year under way the future may seem to stretch ahead with only the return to work and a tax return looming large on the horizon.

Short days and cold, wet weather can add to a sense of gloom as we build up to the so-called “most depressing” day of the year – Blue Monday.

But although January is often seen as a challenging month after the revelry of December, the calculation which suggested a particular day in the month was the year’s nadir may not be the right answer.

What is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday is the name coined in a 2005 Sky Travel press release for what has been considered the “most depressing day” of the year.

The travel company named Blue Monday the most depressing day of the year as it was thought to be the peak time when debt level after Christmas is high, the weather is bleak, daylight is still in short supply and failed new year resolutions are commonplace, culminating in a low mood for many.

All these factors formed part of an endlessly controversial calculation – the Blue Monday formula – created by Cliff Arnall, then a psychology tutor at a further education centre attached to Cardiff University.

Mr Arnall previously told i: “Sky Travel asked me what I thought was the best day to book a summer holiday. That question got legs as I considered the motives for why people wanted to book such a holiday. That’s how we ended up with the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday.

“I had no idea the formula was going to take off like it has.”

Cold, wet weather was considered to be one of the contributory factors in calculating when Blue Monday should be (Photo: James Manning/PA)

When is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday was assessed to be typically the third Monday in January.

This year that will be Monday 15 January.

Why has the ‘most depressing day’ been dismissed as a myth?

The calculation has been dismissed by many a pseudoscience.

Dr Sandi Mann, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, told i: “Blue Monday is mainly a marketing ploy for organisations to hang some message on – it isn’t a proven phenomenon.”

“Depression doesn’t just exist on Blue Monday – people’s spirits won’t lift automatically with time like the concept seems to suggest. Those struggling with mental health problems need help in the form of self-help books, websites, wellness journals and possibly professional help, as well as medication if appropriate.”

The mental health charity Mind has actively distanced themselves from the formula, saying it “trivialises” people with mental health issues.

Philippa Bradnock, information manager at Mind, previously told i: “Despite the fact the phrase originates from an advertising campaign and there is no credible evidence to show that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed, the myth of Blue Monday continues to persist.

“Depression is not just a one day event, it can happen at any time of year.

“Trivialising such a serious illness by suggesting its symptoms can be experienced in a single day belittles the experiences of people who deal with symptoms regardless of the time of year.”