Blue Monday: Why it's a 'load of rubbish'
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Blue Monday, known as the "most depressing day of the year," has seen a 35% increase in TikTok posts tagged with the term, reaching 68,600, but it lacks scientific backing and is considered a marketing gimmick.
- Psychologist Cliff Arnall coined the term in 2004 after being asked for a "scientific formula" for January blues, but its validity has been disputed over the years.
- Mental health advocates warn that labeling a single day as the most depressing can be harmful, potentially increasing anxiety among those with mental health issues.
- Experts emphasize that while January may feel challenging due to post-holiday blues and darker days, there is no evidence of a rise in mental health referrals, and
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