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Blue Monday: Oxfordshire Mind issues mental health warning

The third Monday in January “Blue Monday” is a PR stunt and depression can affect people on any day of the year.

The marketing concept was originally created to sell holidays at a time when cold winter weather, short days, festive debt and broken New Year’s resolutions tend to make people feel miserable. No scientific studies have ever supported the claim.

“Blue Monday aids negative misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life threatening for some.

There is no credible evidence to suggest that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed.

There are of course certain things that may make people feel down at this time of year, such as financial strains, broken New Year’s resolutions, bad weather and short daylight hours. However, depression is not just a one day event.”

Dan Knowles, CEO, Oxfordshire Mind

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone: 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives.

Call the Oxfordshire Mind Information Line on 01865 247788 (open Monday to Thursday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm, closed bank holidays). If the line is busy when you call please do leave us a message: we’ll aim to call back the same day, and we’ll never leave a message without your permission.