💙 Blue Monday might be fake — but the feelings people experience aren’t

Every January, you might see headlines about Blue Monday — allegedly the “most depressing day of the year.” But here’s the truth: Blue Monday isn’t backed by science. It was first coined in 2005 as part of a marketing campaign by a travel company, using a made‑up formula combining weather, debt, motivation and post‑holiday blues to pick a date they claimed would be the gloomiest. 

Mental health charities and experts have pointed out that this idea is pseudoscience and can trivialise real struggles. Depression and anxiety are complex, persistent conditions, not something that peaks on a particular calendar day. 

However — even if “Blue Monday” itself is a myth — feeling low during winter is very real for many people. Shorter daylight, colder weather, reduced social contact, financial pressures after the holidays and unmet New Year expectations can all contribute to low mood, stress and anxiety. Some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a form of depression triggered by reduced sunlight — and others simply find January a tough month emotionally. 

Understanding low mood vs. clinical depression

It’s important to distinguish between:

🌥️ Low mood or “winter blues” — passing feelings of sadness, fatigue, or low motivation that many of us experience at times

⚠️ Clinical depression and anxiety disorders — serious conditions that involve persistent symptoms over weeks or months, and can significantly affect daily life

If you notice prolonged changes in mood, energy, sleep, appetite or thoughts of self‑harm, it may be more than a temporary slump — and that’s okay, it’s a sign to reach out for support.

Practical self‑care and support tips

You don’t have to wait for spring to feel better. Simple self‑care actions can help your mood and resilience:

🌞 Maximise daylight — take walks in daylight where possible, even short ones.

🧠 Keep moving — regular physical activity can boost mood and reduce anxiety.

🥗 Balanced eating and sleep — regular meals and sleep routines support emotional wellbeing.

💬 Talk to people you trust — connection matters, and sharing how you feel can help.

These habits don’t cure depression, but they support wellbeing and can make tough days easier.

Why connection and inclusion matter

Mental health isn’t experienced in isolation — feeling connected and included matters. Research shows that strong social connections, a sense of belonging and supportive relationships can protect against anxiety and depression. Being part of a community, whether through family, friends, work, volunteering or local groups, can make a real difference to emotional wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness.

At times when the nights are long and days feel grey, prioritising connection — even in small ways — can lift your spirits and provide comfort.

Where to find help locally in Kingston

If you or someone you care about is struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Kingston Giving has developed practical, community-focused resources to help people of all ages navigate their mental health and wellbeing. Our new leaflets, “What’s Up?” for teens and young adults and “How Are You Doing?” for adults, are packed with simple check-in tools, gentle prompts, and links to local support services — all designed to help you, and those around you, feel more supported and less alone.

📄 Read and download the leaflets here: Small Questions, Big Impact – Kingston Giving

These resources were co-designed with members of our community, local charities, and mental health experts to provide practical, accessible guidance. They offer an easy way to start conversations, spot when someone might need help, and access timely local support across Kingston.

If you’re in crisis, please contact 999, your GP, or NHS urgent services immediately.

Ending on something real and empowering

The idea of a single “most depressing day” might be bogus — but the emotional experiences people face in winter are real and deserve care, respect and support. There’s no perfect formula for feeling good, but rest, connection, self‑care and reaching out for help when you need it are powerful steps toward emotional wellbeing.

Let’s use this time not to fixate on a myth, but to check in with ourselves and each other — because looking after our mental health matters every day of the year.