As of: January 22, 2024, 10:04 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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The third Monday in January is known as “Blue Monday”.
Which factors contribute to sadness in winter and tips on what you can do for your psyche.
“Blue Monday” is considered the saddest day of the year and was coined in 2005 by British psychologist Dr.
Cliff Arnall appointed.
It usually falls on the third Monday in January and is based on a formula that takes various factors into account: the weather, outstanding bills or debts that will be carried into the new year, and the feeling of low motivation and listlessness.
Blue Monday is said to symbolize the low after the festive holidays and the start of the New Year.
Formula for sadness
[W + (Dd)] x TQ / M x Na – According to Dr.
Arnall, the
W
stands for “weather”,
D
for finance or debt (debt), which as
d
affects the financial quota in January.
T
is the time that has passed since the usually happy holidays and
Q
symbolizes the good intentions that people find to be untenable or impossible to fulfill.
The whole thing is in conflict with the personal motivation
M
(motivation) and the increasing need to become active, which Arnall takes up with
Na
(need).
There is no clear scientific evidence for the formula for sadness, but “Blue Monday” can expand awareness and help raise awareness of mental illnesses such as depression in general.
There are various causes and triggers that can stress people - it is important to seek or accept help in good time.
What triggers or increases sadness
Many people complain about mood swings and depressive moods in the winter months.
However, if you notice this regularly and over the winter, you should seek professional help.
© Lightpoet/Imago
During winter, many people experience an increase in sadness and depressive feelings for various reasons.
The reasons for this are, for example:
Lack of light:
Days are shorter in winter and there is less natural daylight.
This can affect biological rhythms and lead to a lack of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood.
Vitamin D deficiency:
Less sunlight also means less production of vitamin D in the body, which can be linked to low energy levels and a low mood.
Weather conditions:
Cold and inclement weather can cause people to spend less time outdoors, which can lead to a lack of fresh air and exercise.
Holiday stress:
The festive season towards the end of the year can bring additional stress, whether from social obligations, loneliness, financial stress or high expectations.
Post-holiday blues:
After the festive holidays, a certain emptiness or disappointment can set in as routine sets in again and the anticipation is over.
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Help against sadness: Self-care and interaction with others are particularly important
Tips that can help with mood swings and depressive moods:
Regular exercise, even if it's just short walks in the fresh air - running can also help prevent dementia
Balanced diet with lots of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids
Consciously allowing yourself small joys in everyday life, be it listening to your favorite music, talking to a loved one or regularly pursuing an uplifting hobby
Light therapy can help against the influence of darkness and short days
It is important to emphasize that serious depressive states require professional help.
If symptoms persist, you should contact a doctor or psychologist.
In any case, healthy self-care and connecting with people who support you are crucial to maintaining positive mental health during the winter.
Are you depressed? With telephone pastoral care you can get help around the clock - every day of the year: call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free of charge. Your phone number will not be transmitted and you do not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
Natalie Hull-Deichsel wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.