Feeling melancholy this Monday you may not be alone

Do you happen to feel particularly down in the dumps today as you drag yourself out of bed and force yourself to work? If you answered yes, then you can feel free to blame it on Dr. Cliff Arnall’s, a psychologist formerly of Cardiff University, carefully crafted formula determining today to be the most depressing day of the year.

Known as “Blue Monday,” this depressing day falls on the third Monday in January, this year falling on January 16, according to Dr. Arnall’s formula. He came up with the equation, that has never been scientifically proven, by taking into consideration the weather, post-Christmas debt, failing on New Year’s resolutions and low motivation levels.

Some experts say, reports The Telegraph, that this year’s Blue Monday will be worse than ever when taking into consideration recent celebrity deaths, Brexit and the election of Donald Trump.

However, Blue Monday is also seen by many as a PR stunt. The concept was first widely introduced by the international travel agency, Sky Travel in 2005. The agency used this day as a way of promoting holiday bookings to beat the blues.

Though many can look at this formula and Blue Monday with skepticism, the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom is taking no chances. The NHS has issued official advice on beating the blues by exercising, eating well, meeting with friends and family and relaxing. In some cities, such as Bradford, UK, the NHS is offering stress-buster and mood management courses for free, according to pulse1.co.uk.

Whether Blue Monday is a hoax or not the winter season can often be gloomy for many, especially because of the lack of sunlight. However, by focusing on the positives and things you can change, says Dr. Arnall, people can pick themselves out of the dumps.

“The easiest way to be happy is spending more time with people who love you and like you as you are.

“Use Blue Monday as a springboard for change, whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking, embark on a dream or change job. Make the most of your life and live it to the full,” said Arnall to The Telegraph.

If you are feeling depressed and a military member or spouse of a military personnel the following resources can be useful:

Canadian Armed Forces Mental Health Services

The Member Assistance Program: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 1-800-268-7708 | (Teletypewriter) 1-800-567-5803

Contact the Family Information Line: 1-800-866-4546 (North America)

Veterans Affairs Canada Resources:

Veterans Affairs Canada’s Assistance Service, a 24-hour toll-free help line (1-800-268-7708) or TDD (1-800-567-5803).

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention