{"id":423805,"date":"2026-01-19T19:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T19:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/423805\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T19:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T19:00:12","slug":"why-its-a-load-of-rubbish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/423805\/","title":{"rendered":"Why it’s a ‘load of rubbish’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GettyGetty Images<\/p>\n

Blue Monday is discussed every year, even though experts reject the idea<\/p>\n

Christmas is over, it’s cold and dark outside and you may be in an endless cycle of doomscrolling.<\/p>\n

Blue Monday – also known as the most depressing day of the year – has been trending online.<\/p>\n

According to TikTok, the number of posts tagged with the term has grown year-on-year to 68,600 – a 35% increase.<\/p>\n

It might feel relatable after the past year but, unsurprisingly, there’s nothing scientific about it.<\/p>\n

The name was reportedly coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, it falls on the third Monday in January every year.<\/p>\n

This has been disputed by others over the years.<\/p>\n

He came up with it after a holiday company asked him for a “scientific formula” for the January blues.<\/p>\n

\"SophieSophie West<\/p>\n

Sophie thinks Blue Monday can be damaging to those with mental health issues<\/p>\n

Sophie West, from Kent, has suffered with panic attacks and anxiety since the age of seven.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old thinks labelling one day a year can be damaging for people dealing with their mental health issues.<\/p>\n

“I think Blue Monday is a load of rubbish to be honest. A completely made-up marketing gimmick – it’s just a label on an ordinary day,” Sophie told BBC Newsbeat.<\/p>\n

“But the messaging about it being the ‘most depressing day of the year’ can be daunting for people who already have a mental illness.<\/p>\n

“We all have our good and bad days and they have nothing to do with a random made-up day in January.<\/p>\n

“I like to plan ahead – so if I look at a day and see that it’s labelled the most depressing day of the year I’ll get anxious about that and think that I need to be happy on that day.”<\/p>\n

\"PhilipPhilip Clarke<\/p>\n

Dr Philip Clarke says Blue Monday isn’t scientifically proven<\/p>\n

Dr Philip Clarke, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Derby, agrees.<\/p>\n

“I started speaking out against Blue Monday when I saw companies were trying to use it as an excuse to sell things,” he told Newsbeat.<\/p>\n

“I can understand why people would feel down in January, you’ve just come off Christmas – spending a lot of time with family, overindulging and it’s a lot darker outside.<\/p>\n

“The key thing to remember is that Blue Monday isn’t scientifically proven – there’s not even proof January sees a rise in mental health referrals although it may seem that way,” he said.<\/p>\n

However, he feels a “really strong benefit” of the concept is that it does get people having those “difficult conversations” about depression and anxiety and “what you can actually do to help with that”.<\/p>\n

There have been suggestions to turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday – with mental health charity Samaritans encouraging a chat with family and friends over a virtual cup of tea.<\/p>\n

Top Tips<\/p>\n

\"GettyGetty Images<\/p>\n

Increasing physical activity can be a good way to help your mental health<\/p>\n

Although Philip thinks it’s important not to confuse feeling low with depression, he has tips everyone can use for better mental health.<\/p>\n

– Exercise<\/p>\n

“Exercise is a fantastic thing people can be doing as it releases happy endorphins and chemicals. It doesn’t have to be exercise in the gym because that can be off-putting for some people,” he said.<\/p>\n

“It just about increasing your physical activity.”<\/p>\n

– Assess your New Year’s resolutions<\/p>\n

“A lot of people fail their New Year’s resolutions within two or three weeks,” he noted.<\/p>\n

“But if you have failed, look at why and use that as a learning experience.<\/p>\n

“This gives people hope that they can still work towards a goal for the year and not beat themselves up about it.”<\/p>\n

– Volunteering<\/p>\n

“One reason people love Christmas isn’t necessarily the receiving, but the pleasure they get from helping people,” he added.<\/p>\n

“This can be a good way to get a happy boost with no financial implications.”<\/p>\n

Philip has shared more advice via this TikTok video<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A version of this story was last published in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Listen to Newsbeat live<\/a> at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here<\/a>.<\/p>\n