Has the push for a ‘Blue Monday’ fix outweighed the reality of the day?

Blue Monday has been debunked but what's real is that many people struggle through the winter months. Spencer Turcotte has more.

‘Blue Monday’, which falls on the third Monday of January, is commonly considered to be the saddest day of the year.

But is it?

“Certainly, the science around Blue Monday can be debated,” said Helen Fishburn, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington (CMHA WW).

The term was essentially debunked soon after it was coined 20 years ago by a travel company to sell plane tickets.

Health experts, meanwhile, do recognize that people generally struggle during the month of January.

“It’s cold. It’s dark. The days are shorter,” said Fishburn. “This tends to be around the time our Christmas bills or holiday bills come in. So, some of the realities around financial pressures hit.”

Companies have capitalized on the idea, with discounted travel packages, gym membership deals and even drink specials – like Blue Monday-inspired margarita flights.

“There could definitely be an overemphasis on consumerism during this time. You know, there’s a worry that we have that companies take advantage of people that might be feeling vulnerable, that might be looking for a quick fix,” Fishburn said.

Experts acknowledge that, while no product alone will solve our health concerns, they can help support our overall wellness.

They shouldn’t, however, be used as the only tool.

Psychologists suggest people look at the root cause of why they’re struggling.

“Is there an anxiety issue? Is there a depression issue? Is there some financial pressure? What is it that’s causing people to feel the pain that they might be carrying?” explained Fishburn.

Sometimes, she said, items or experiences that are being sold as a quick fix could push people further away from finding an actual solution.

“There are so many things that you can do. And creative things like journaling or practicing an art class, being more active, really encouraging people to go outside and take a walk even if it’s cold. [Also] reaching out to your family doctor, reaching out to a counselling program.”

While wellness sells, consumers are reminded not to fall for mood-boosting buys if there’s a bigger problem at play.

If you need help, CMHA WW has several resources to get you started on their website.