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Blue Monday happened this week. It is supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
By the third Monday of January, we may feel sad that holiday celebrations are over. Or perhaps the short, dark days of winter add to our gloom. Piles of credit card bills from December expenses start to fill mailboxes and stress builds up. As a result, money worries kick into high gear, leading to the most depressing day of the year.
However, is Blue Monday real or just a myth? In this post, we’ll examine Blue Monday and it’s link with personal finance. More importantly, we will look at things you can do to alleviate money worries and where to turn for mental health concerns.
Table of Contents
Blue Monday, Personal Finance, and Money Worries
First of all, I had never heard of Blue Monday, even as a social worker. As a result, I was surprised to see Blue Monday show up on my Twitter feed.
Money, mushrooms and mental health awareness! A welcome mix of my personal and professional interests, haha.
Fun stuff aside, Blue Monday refers to feelings of sadness and depression. Money worries can contribute to those feelings. I’ve experienced many money worries over the years, including:
- struggling to get out of debt
- going through a family medical crisis
- wondering if I would be able to catch-up retirement savings
These uncomfortable money situations took time for my husband and I to get into. Naturally, it took time to dig our way out of them. I felt bad the whole time I was going through these situations, not just on one Blue Monday in January!
Blue Monday: Myth Or Reality?
Apparently, Blue Monday was originally promoted by a defunct UK television channel, Sky Travel, back in 2005. They hired a psychologist, Cliff Arnall, to figure out the one day of the year that people felt the greatest need for a vacation. It was a publicity stunt to get people to spend money on January travel!
Blue Monday was not accepted by everyone.
Mental health professionals have been critical of Blue Monday. Depression is a serious condition lasting two weeks or more, and can completely disrupt a person’s daily life. It is not a one day event.
Ultimately, the suggestion that a trip to a sunny tropical island could cure depression minimizes mental health as the huge health challenge it is. Similarly, promoting Blue Monday doesn’t take into account that many people can’t afford to take a sunny winter vacation.
Light Therapy Might Help
One type of depression that has been shown to benefit from light therapy is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD affects millions of adults in the US.
Lack of sunlight is suspected to play a role in the development of SAD. That’s why most people with SAD use light boxes. Since light boxes are 20 times brighter than regular lights, they help relieve SAD. And, people don’t have to spend money on an expensive trip!
How To Reduce Money Worries
Money worries are not the cause of clinical depression. Yet, being in debt or making low wages is stressful.
One of the best ways to reduce money worries is to start educating yourself. There are many books, blogs, and non-profit agencies that are available to help you learn about getting out of debt, creating additional income streams, and managing your money more effectively.
Where To Turn If You Need Help
Financial Assistance
Are you struggling financially? Here’s where to turn to for for help . . .
First, contact your state’s Human Services Department for emergency assistance. Second, other social service agencies in your community may be able help with immediate needs.
If you’ve lost your job or have a low income and need help with living expenses like food, housing, or healthcare, you may qualify for government benefits. Click this link for more information: Get Help With Living Expenses.
Consumer debt can be overwhelming. It definitely was for me! My husband and I used the debt snowball method to help pay off debt.
In addition to paying off current debt, learn about personal finance to help you stay out of debt. American Consumer Credit Counseling offers financial education and confidential credit counseling.
Mental Health Resources
There are many community and online resources available to help with mental health issues, too. Start off by talking with your primary care doctor. Check out the National Institute of Mental Health flier, Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider for tips on starting the conversation.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline 800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, 24-hour information & referral line for individuals or families dealing with mental and/or substance use disorders.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 is a US-based suicide prevention hotline for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
My Final Thoughts On Blue Monday & Money Worries
Blue Monday started out as a publicity stunt to get people to spend more money on travel. However, it has turned into an opportunity to talk about money worries and mental health. Fortunately, there is help for both.
I’d never heard of Blue Monday before, but maybe that’s a good thing? As you mentioned, depression isn’t something that only lasts for a day, and Blue Monday sends the wrong message.
However, as someone who’s battled anxiety and depression in the past, I’m a huge advocate for mental health awareness. I’m grateful that you brought up this topic and wrote about it in such a compassionate way.
Thank you for spreading good, helpful information and for being a source of support and care to so many—both here and in your job as a social worker.
Mental health awareness is so important. The stigma of talking about mental health issues is slowly going away. Talking about our collective struggles helps us all. Thank you for sharing your experience, Chrissy. Thank you for your sweet comments, too!
I have never heard of Blue Monday but it was interesting to learn more about its origins. I am glad that in this day and age there are so many resources to learn about handling money better and how to make extra money! Great post!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Nons! Glad you enjoyed the post!
I had no idea Blue Monday was started by a travel channel, although I knew the idea wasn’t grounded in evidence. I guess I can see the merit of turning it into a mental health awareness day though
You are in the UK, right Unwanted Life? Had you ever heard of the Sky Travel channel (although it sounds like it’s been off the air since 2005)? Anytime we can help to improve mental health awareness is good as far as I’m concerned. Thanks for your comments!
I have heard of Blue Monday but it seems to be getting a lot more attention this year. The pandemic effect, perhaps?
Thanks for putting together this great collection of resources.
I did buy a light therapy box just before Christmas. I was worried about the impact of the lockdown and shorter, winter days on my energy level. It does seem to make a difference.
Yes, Michelle, I’m sure the pandemic has had a huge impact on mental health. That is so cool that you proactively purchased a light box! I’d love to hear more about your experience with it. Thanks for commenting!
I’ve never heard of it either. Even if it started as a way to promote travel, it’s always good to make sure you practice self-care, get fresh air, and stay active in the long winter months. Where I live it’s 3-4 long months of darkness and that affects virtually everyone negatively.
I’ve wondered what it would be like to live in a place that has so much darkness. For example, for someone trying to catch-up retirement savings after a late start (like me), there are high paying jobs to be had in Alaska. But would I like living there with 24-hours of no sunlight several months of the year? I don’t think so! Thanks for sharing your experience, Brooke!
I’ve not heard of blue monday but I like several of your coping ideas. I have a mood light. It doesn’t help me save money but it helps perk me up! Thanks!
–Sue
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Thanks, Sue! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the post. Does the mood light you’re using cause your electricity bills to go up? Curious to hear more. Thanks for reading & commenting!
Blue Monday came as a bit of a surprise to me too, but I didn’t know it started out as a publicity stunt. It’s great that it’s morphed into an opportunity to talk about money worries and mental health though, and these links you’ve shared will be so helpful to a lot people, I’m sure. Great article, thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lisa!
I think blue monday is real. I didn’t know it has a history but I always feel like this every monday. Thanks for sharing such informative content 👍😊
Every. Single. Monday.
I’m sure you are not alone, Madiha! That is one of the biggest reasons why so many people are drawn to the Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE) community. They are looking for ways to eliminate the need to trudge back to work Monday morning, haha.
Nice post. I haven’t heard of the blue Monday before so it was really nice to come across this and learn about it. I often find financial thoughts depressing especially when rent is due and all of that.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Anita.
Again, this is one of the primary drivers for people in the Financial Independence / Retire Early community. Rent is one of our three biggest expenses (housing, transportation, food). Applying some creative ways to adjust those expenses can make a huge difference in our finances and overall sense of well-being. It’s harder if income is low, but that’s why there’s so much talk of making more money with side hustles, or house hacking to reduce rent (taking in a housemate, for example).
Yes! I’ve definitely heard of Blue Monday. I think for me, I came out of school with a lot of debt then I got married and the wedding accumulated a little more. I’m on a great track of clearing it before April this year but of course, there isn’t a day where I don’t wish it could be done faster! Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Congratulations on having your debt almost paid off, Lynn! That is a huge accomplishment! I appreciate you for stopping by and commenting, thank you!
I had not heard of Blue Monday before reading your post. Thank you for not only discussing it, but also for providing resources to those who may be going through financial difficulties during these times. For me, I am fortunate to be fine, but I would feel even better with more savings!
Thank you for reading & commenting, Sharila. Like you, I also would feel better with more savings! Follow my blog for creative ideas to make more money and grow your savings!
I had never heard of Blue Monday before. Living in the sunny states of Florida, and now usually taking a vacation January has awarded me with some opportunities to avoid the seasonal blues.
You are right about all of these things. People do have worries after the festive month of December. I am glad you wrote this post it opens our eyes the many different things that affects people throughout this wintery season.
Thanks, Steve! I appreciate your comments. Are you still in Taiwan? January is the coldest month there, right? What warmer location do you travel to in January?
Still in Taiwan. I love Taiwan, but January is so cold. It is like a humid cold that is deep into your bones.
Usually, I am off to a new country or a warmer place. Last year, we were in Morocco. The year before in Australia and Fiji. In 2018, we were in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Morocco wasn’t warm, but a new culture and country.
Continue to write. Great content!
I haven’t heard of blue Monday before so this was a really interesting read! I’m saving up for my first house hopefully next year so at the moment my biggest worry is saving up enough for a deposit and all the extras that you don’t realise come with owning a home!
That’s great! I hope you find the perfect house, Nicci. It is good to be aware there are many extra expenses with buying a home. Thanks for reading & commenting!
I have never heard of it before! You are so right – let’s make money a normal conversation topic! Great post
That’s one of my goals, Mrs. FDU. The more we talk about money and financial literacy, the better. There are so many people like me who are behind in saving for retirement, thinking “it’s too late, I’ll have to work forever.” But it is not too late! I hope to encourage others to explore creative ways to make & save more money, at any age.
I have heard of Blue Monday as I work in the travel industry! Really great post here sharing some very important resources for those struggling xx
That’s interesting, Della! I guess the travel agency is still trying to get people to spend money on travel in January, haha. Glad you enjoyed the post, thanks for commenting!
I have never heard of blue Monday; but yes financial problems can put mental well being at risk. It’s great to know that because of blue Mondays people started talking about their financial worries openly. You have shared some great recourses and tips regarding money problems.
Thanks so much, Sara! Glad you enjoyed the post & thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Good post. This is the first time I heard of Blue Mondays. I only heard of Monday Blues before this. Hehehe. So I learned something from this. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Glad you found it helpful, Fadima! Thanks for reading & commenting!
Thanks for sharing this information and these links. We can reduce our worry by preparing the whole year round
Great point, Retirestyle Travel. Thanks for stopping by!
I haven’t heard the term Blue Monday before, but it was so interesting reading all of this information about it and your advice on how to combat it. Thank you for sharing all of these helpful resources!
Thanks so much, Melissa! Glad you enjoyed the post & resources.
Interesting post, with lots of helpful links and advice! I’ve heard of Blue Monday, but never really looked into what it is – thanks for sharing x
Thank you, Sophie! Happy to hear you enjoyed the post.
I have never heard of this before! Thank you for all of this wonderful information! I feel like I learned so much and there’s nothing I love more than learning something new everyday
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Lisamarie! It’s always good to keep learning. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
it’s usually monday blues but im surprised to know there’s a monday blue as ell. well right now here it’s sunday and things are going great so far so i hope it doesn’t affect me:/
Thanks for reading & commenting, thebellelab!
Such a great post that was very informative and provided lots of beneficial resources for those who need it! I’m a social worker now, and even when I used to work in behavioral health, I had never heard of blue Monday as well. But, I’m glad to have learned a little more about it.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, JoJo! Really happy to connect with another social worker / blogger, too! Thanks for sharing!
I have never heard of Blue Monday until now. I really like the coping skills on mental health and money. Especially as a guy in the military, I think more talks of both are needed.
I have been drafting a post about mental health but I can’t seem to get the courage to finalize it and post it.
Thanks for writing this
Oh, I do hope you will publish your post on mental health, David! We definitely need more discussion of both mental health and financial literacy. I’m sure your readers will appreciate it!
I’ve never heard of blue Monday so this was very interesting to read. Great post 😊!
Thank you, Anissa!
I haven’t ever heard of Blue Monday and I find it really interesting! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Laura!
I’ve never heard of blue monday in the financial sense. I’ve definitely heard about it in a different manner. Thank you so much for the helpful tricks on how to alleviate money worries. Very important and valid especially during this time of the year.
Thanks so much for your comments, Kgomotso! Happy to hear you found the tips helpful.
I havent ever heard of blue monday in this context but thank you for this. Some great info here and some good contacts! Thank you for sharing!
Amber | The Unpredicted Page | https://theunpredictedpage.com
Glad you stopped by, Amber! I appreciate your thoughts on the resources listed in the post.
Interesting, I had never heard of blue Monday. It makes sense that this was kind of a commercial date. I honestly feel a little relieved when the holidays are over to be honest. It’s time to get back into my usual routine of things. I have heard of seasonal effective disorder though and know that or some of my friends and family the light therapy can be very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, apparently light therapy can be very helpful for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter, Clarissa. Routines are always helpful, but I miss my holiday decorations, lol. Thanks for your comments!
I have never heard of Blue Monday until my Twitter feed started talking about it as well. I don’t like how it started as a publicity stunt, but I think it is great that the conversation has evolved into something more constructive. This blog post is very informative with different resources and helpline listed here. I believe that whoever this information is relevant to will find it very helpful!
Thank you so much, Ming! I agree that it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of bringing mental health issues to the forefront.
I had no idea the origins of Blue Monday were via a travel show — it just goes to show you how something can get distorted over time! I think the day should become a mental health awareness day with a good focus on understanding and support, I prefer that idea overall.
Love that idea, Molly! It would be great to turn Blue Monday into a mental health awareness day. It’s important to be able to talk about mental health issues anytime. However, we do have a few designated days that focus on mental health awareness already:
There is already a World Mental Health Day on October 10th, designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to bring awareness to mental health issues around the world.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) promotes Mental Illness Awareness Week during the first week of October every year. Back in 1990, Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).
We also have Mental Health Awareness Month in May, which was started by the Mental Health America organization in 1949.
These events continue to bring awareness to mental health issues each year. One more designated day in January on Blue Monday sounds like a great idea, Molly!
Good ol blue Monday, it’s great that you’ve listed some help lines as well!
Thank you, Jessica! Help lines are so important.
I had no clue about Blue Monday being ‘created’ by a travel channel! The things you learn!
Also – money worries are the absolute worst, and indeed they have a peak just after spending so much for Christmas! This year I managed to keep it together thanks to a no-present rule we put down and no travelling to see family (even though I would have loved to see family!)
So glad to hear you were able to manage to avoid money worries this past Christmas, Simona! We’ve certainly had a lot of other things to worry about with the pandemic, so eliminating money worries with some strategic saving strategies was a good idea.
I’ve only very recently heard of blue Monday, and found our what it is! Thankyou for sharing this, it’s so in-depth x
Although it may have started out as a publicity promo for a travel program, it’s good that it can now be used to raise awareness of mental health issues. Thanks for reading & commenting, Kayleigh!
I have never heard of blue monday before. I learned a lot from reading this post. Thanks so much for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it, Charity! Thanks for reading & commenting!
Great post! I think money worries are a cause of stress for a lot of people- and these tips are so important for this difficult time of the year. Thanks for sharing x
Yes, money worries are a huge source of stress for many. Money is one of the biggest things couples fight about. It’s important to get on the same page with your partner about money to reduce stress. For those who are single, learning to manage your own money is vital. Thanks for your comments, Eleanor!
I haven’t heard of Blue Monday but I have heard of seasonal affective disorder and know several people with it, especially up north where it’s just dreary for months. These are great resources for people affected by that, seasonal letdown, or ongoing depression.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Moving and Baking! Yes, seasonal affective disorder is so much worse where there is less sunshine. Light therapy seems to make a real difference.
I’d heard of Blue Monday but didn’t know its origins! I just assumed it was quite old reference for, well, I don’t know what actually 😂 some great tips and resources here, particularly relating to mental health.
Thank you, Rebecca! I’m glad you enjoyed the mental health resources.
We’ve never heard of blue Monday. Thanks for sharing!
Although I hadn’t heard of Blue Monday before, either, I found the history interesting. Thanks for stopping by, I’m All Booked Up!
I have heard blue Monday as a term. I was mostly aware of it from an old song. Personally I don’t understand it. There are millions of reasons to feel depressed and millions to be happy with your life. I never related blue Monday with finace problems so this was an interesting read. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading & commenting, Eri. Now you’ve got me curious about the song!
Thanks for informing us about Blue Monday. It is good to raise awareness of mental health and money worries.
Yes, I agree with you, Jamieadstories. Raising mental health awareness and financial literacy are both important topics. Having more money (or being able to pay the bills with the money you’ve got) can ease money worries. However, learning how to manage money by maximizing earning, saving and investing helps, too. Especially if you’re behind in saving for retirement, like I was!
This is a great post! Blue Monday and money worries are so important to talk about! Thank you for doing it!
To be honest, I’ve never heard about Blue Monday. I guess my greatest worry is not having enough money to spend on any family emergency. I’m working on saving more and reaching our financial goals this year.