Rabat – January marks the dawn of a new year and the beginning of a new chapter that comes with it with promises of fresh resolutions and rebirth.

 

Just as life has its twists and turns, this month seems to carve out a unique day where the rhythms and blues lose their usual harmony. And this day is “Blue Monday.”

 

Originating from a 2005 press release by a British travel agency, Sky Travel, aiming to quantify the post-holiday blues, the term “Blue Monday” gained traction, perpetuating the notion that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year.

 

Factors such as the chilly weather, debt, time since Christmas, and unmet New Year resolutions were woven together as the reasons for the gloom, although they lack in robust scientific grounding.

 

Samar McCutcheon, MD, a psychiatrist with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells Glamour that Blue Monday” started out as a “ marketing gimmick” created by a travel company who asked a psychologist to develop a “depression formula’ to find the most depressing day of the year.”

 

Despite its hyped-up reputation, there is no exact formula to determine the specific day when a collective sense of gloominess sets in.

 

Mental health, after all, is a complex journey, and attributing it to a singular date oversimplifies the diverse challenges individuals may encounter.

 

So, how does one face this so-called “Blue Monday” and navigate the roller coaster of unwelcome emotions?

 

The answer lies in fostering a dialogue about mental well-being and advocating for self-care.On Twitter, numerous accounts have rallied behind users, using the platform to share uplifting messages and positive vibes in light of this gloomy event. 

 

The page, named Mind, shared a powerful message that “#BlueMonday is made up, but mental health problems aren’t. Whatever the day, we’re here for you.”

 

Another account, All on the Board, took a different approach, wishing followers a “Happy Monday” and emphasizing that “A Monday doesn’t have to be blue.” 

 

Redirecting attention from the confines of a designated “blue” day is imperative, acknowledging that the emotional landscape doesn’t adhere to a rigid timetable.

 

The January lull, while a shared experience, manifests uniquely for each individual. 

 

Given this, what would the world look like if we could reshape the narrative surrounding January and shift “Blue Monday” into a “Bright Monday?”