08/01/2025

Blue Monday: What is it and How Can You Make it Count?

Dervla Gallen, Applied Psychologist & Elevo Head of Programmes

5-minute read

You’ve probably heard of Blue Monday – the day supposedly known as “the most depressing day of the year,” falling on the third Monday of January. But where did this idea come from? And, more importantly, should we be taking it seriously?

So, Where Did Blue Monday Come From?

The term Blue Monday was coined in 2005 by a British travel company, who claimed to have used a formula to predict when people would be feeling their lowest. They considered things like cold weather, the post-Christmas slump, and the long wait until payday. The idea caught on quickly, but the reality is, there’s no scientific backing for it.

So, it just a marketing trick? Well, the short answer is yes. But we also can’t entirely dismiss it.

The Problem with Focusing Too Much on Blue Monday

When we focus too much on Blue Monday, we risk oversimplifying mental health struggles. Labelling one day as “the most depressing day of the year” could actually do more harm than good. Yes, January can be a difficult month for some, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is very real, but putting all the attention on a single day might minimise what others experience year-round.

This approach could make some people feel that their struggles aren’t valid if they don’t fit the Blue Monday narrative. For most of us, our mental health isn’t something that just magically improves on the 1^st of February. Mental health conditions are ongoing, and focusing too much on one day risks undermining the everyday support people need.

So, while it’s important to recognise that January can be a tough time, Blue Monday shouldn’t be the sole focus. It can be a good starting point for a conversation, but let’s not make it the only time we talk about mental health.

What Can You Do as a Business?

1. Talk About It

Blue Monday can be a reason to start a conversation about mental health at work. But don’t make it a one-off event. Asking how your team is doing should be part of everyday culture, not limited to a single day. A simple check-in can make a huge difference.

2. Make Mental Health Part of the Culture

Don’t treat mental health as something that matters only on Blue Monday. Make it a priority every day. Encourage openness, provide easy access to wellbeing resources, and create an environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health any time of year.

3. Support Beyond an Email

Sending out a Blue Monday email is nice, but real support comes from action. Provide your team with the tools they need, offer regular wellbeing check-ins, or simply take the time to listen. Small, everyday gestures can make a world of difference.

4. Encourage Self-Care Every Day

Don’t wait for Blue Monday to remind your team to look after their mental health. Promote self-care all year round. Encourage breaks, offer flexible working hours, and remind people to get outside for a walk. These small habits can make a big impact over time.

Turning Blue Monday Into Something Meaningful

Rather than seeing Blue Monday as just another day on the calendar, why not use it to kickstart a much larger conversation about mental health? It’s not about surviving one Monday in January – it’s about ensuring your team feels supported all year long.

At Elevo, we’re committed to helping you ensure your teams feel supported all year round. If you’d like to learn more or start a conversation about how we can help, get in touch. We’re here to help make mental health a priority in your workplace, every day.