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What is Blue Monday and why is it criticised by mental health charities?

Blue Monday, often cited as the third Monday in January, is popularly known as the most depressing day of the year, a concept initially conceived by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2005 for a travel company to boost holiday sales. This day is supposedly calculated based on factors like weather, debt, time since Christmas, failed New Year's resolutions, and low motivational levels. However, mental health charities like Mind have criticized Blue Monday for oversimplifying mental health issues, suggesting that it trivializes depression by implying it can be predicted or is merely seasonal. Critics argue that this concept can be harmful as it might make individuals feel their mental health struggles are not taken seriously or are just a temporary condition linked to a specific day, rather than recognizing the complexity and individual nature of mental health. Furthermore, the formula behind Blue Monday lacks scientific credibility, and its commercialization is seen as exploiting those with mental health issues for profit.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/mindandbody/what-is-blue-monday-and-why-is-it-criticised-by-mental-health-charities/ar-AA1xwwn0 ]