Today is supposed to be Blue Monday. Some people claim it is the most depressing day of the year.
The theory behind it is that this is the day credit card bills for Christmas start rolling in, days are short and dark and winter is cold and lonely. All of this is supposed to add up to everyone being down on this day.
But there’s a little secret behind the concept of Blue Monday. Yes, it was a term coined in 2004 by a psychologist and he did develop some sort of formula taking all these factors and more into account to come up with the third Monday in January as the most depressing day there is. But there was another part that a lot of people leave out. He did all this on a commission from a travel company so they could use the information to sell tickets to sunny destinations.
The truly depressing thing about Blue Monday is that it is nothing more than an advertising scheme.
If you happen to be feeling a bit down, it is understandable. The entire world seems turned upside down these days. And it is January, so it is cold and dark.
But the days are starting to get longer. And there are things you can do. From cooking a favourite meal, to calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, sitting in front of your computer watching cat videos, or relaxing in a hot bath. Whatever you enjoy, it’s a good day to do it.
And if you’re still feeling down, there are people you can call for help. Just google mental health in Nova Scotia. Here’s just a few:
Mental Health Services South Shore: 1-877-334-3431
Mental Health Services Shelburne: (902) 875-4200
Canadian Mental Health Association Lunenburg County Chapter: (902) 543-7082
Kids Help Phone – 1-888-470-8880
There are other services available as well.
The thing is, there’s no reason Blue Monday should be that blue. It’s really just a marketing scheme. And as far as I’m concerned, not a very good one.
Now I think I’ll go make something special for dinner. After I watch a few cat videos.
