Busting the myth of ‘Blue Monday’
Authored by ARAG
What is ‘Blue Monday’?
‘Blue Monday’ is the name given to the third Monday in January which has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year.
It was a term coined by a psychologist in 2024 when a travel company asked him for a scientific formula for the January blues for a marketing campaign.
Although the psychologist has since said he believes ‘Blue Monday’ is a “self-fulfilling prophecy” unfortunately the label of ‘Blue Monday’ stuck and is still used by companies today to promote deals that offer an escape from the stresses and pressures of life.
What’s the problem with ‘Blue Monday’?
We all experience good and bad days, and the calendar can’t dictate when those are. The term ‘Blue Monday’ contributes to damaging preconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life-threatening.
Instead, let’s mark the day as ‘Brew Monday’
In a bid to put a stop to the myth about the third Monday in the year being the bluest, Samaritans have renamed the day ‘Brew Monday’ - a day to start a conversation with family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones over a brew.
About ARAG
ARAG UK is a specialist legal insurance provider and is part of the internationally recognised ARAG Group which serves 14 countries worldwide.
Providing several emergency assistance insurance products and an innovative range of Before-the-Event and After-the-Event legal insurance products and services, ARAG UK prides itself on its client-focused approach. This has been recognised by the industry following the results of the Insurance 360 Legal Expenses Insurers Study in which ARAG UK was voted 'best legal insurance provider'. youTalk-insurance sharing ARAG UK insurance news.