The third Monday in January is considered by many to be the most depressing day of the year - but is there any truth to it?
UK travel company Sky Travel was the first to develop the concept of Blue Monday in 2005 and the term has since took off.
Bad January weather, post-Christmas debt and the overall unpopularity of Mondays in general are often the reasons cited for today being the most depressing day of the year.
However, many in the mental health sphere have dismissed Blue Monday as a myth or pseudoscience.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Trinity College psychiatry professor Brendan Kelly said the idea of Blue Monday resonates with people for a number of reasons.
"It’s based on the idea that Christmas is over so [there are] post festive blues," Dr Kelly said.
"January in the northern hemisphere can be pretty depressing weatherwise – so darkness, not a lot of light, rain and so forth.
“And it’s a Monday – no one likes Mondays - so that’s why the idea came that this was Blue Monday the most depressing day of the year."
'Opportunity'
Mental Health charity SOSAD social media coordinator Dave Lawlor said Blue Monday is an opportunity to start a public conversation about mental health.
"Although it is a myth, the one good thing about it is it is very much in circulation in the wider public at the moment," Mr Lawlor said.
"With SOSAD Ireland, we kind of believe that Blue Monday could be a great opportunity to start those important conversations and open that dialogue about mental health.
"Use [Blue Monday to] maybe reach out to a friend or family member that you know might be struggling or even just to meet up for a coffee and to catch up.
"Those things can boost your mental health."
A man comforts a woman as she cries, AlamyIf you are struggling with your mental health, you can contact SOSAD's 24/7 helpline 1 800 901 909.
You can also call Samaritans Ireland on 116 123 and Pieta House on 1800 247 247.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999/112.
You can listen back below:
Feature image shows a man lying down clutching a pillow, Alamy.
