Growing opposition to designated day of depression

However, there is growing opposition to the idea of a designated 'depression day'.

The story goes that Blue Monday originated when a university professor created a formula to work out which was the most depressing day of the year.

His formula took into account such things as debt, weather conditions, time since Christmas, failed new year’s resolutions and low motivational levels.

Apparently, the result of his calculations led to him concluding that the third Monday in January was the dreaded day.

But – and it’s a big but – this may be absolutely bunkum!

In actual fact, it’s now a widely accepted belief that it was nothing more than a publicity stunt by a travel company with the aim of increasing holiday bookings.

Many people are now refusing to subscribe to the concept, and are resisting being sucked into a zone of negativity. They have decided not to let a holiday company dictate how they should be feeling.

They point out that it is important to remember that there are 365 days in a year.

One spokseman said: "Wouldn’t it be a bit weird, not to say unlikely, if billions of people all involuntarily experience the same emotional state of being on this one particular day?

"It’s like the misguided assumption that December 31 HAS to be the best night of your entire year.

"Cast your mind back over the past twelve months and ask yourself which were your happiest moments, favourite experiences and funniest times.

"Did they occur on New Year’s Eve, or were they on random and seemingly unremarkable dates of the calendar?"

Some advocates of Blue Monday point to the short days and long dark nights pressing in.

Apart from the fact that the longest night was actually a month ago, opponents ask what’s so bad about cosy evenings indoors snuggled up watching box sets or reading a book while the rain and wind rattles against the windows?

Dark, cold nights mean guilt-free indolent indulgence, unlike summer evenings when a lot of people tend to feel guilty if they’re not outdoors engaged in some healthy physical activity.

So, the advice is to make the most of today, put things in perspective and try to concentrate on life's positives.

However, for those who still might need a bit of help in getting through the day, Bolton Central Library and Museum is offering some escape.

It is attempting to lift people’s mood with a session on learning how to meditate to improve your wellbeing.

The free meditation session will run from 11am to 12pm in the Art Gallery.

Later in the day, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, families and individuals are being invited to visit the museum to listen to a storytelling session with the emphasis on inspirational tales.

THE concept of Blue Monday is sometimes regarded with humour, with some people actually “celebrating” it in a jocularly masochistic way.

But mental health charity, Mind, is concerned that it trivialises the very serious condition of depression.

A spokesman said: “Blue Monday contributes to damaging misconceptions about depression and trivialises an illness that can be life threatening. One in six people will experience depression during their life. It can be extremely debilitating with common symptoms including inability to sleep, seeing no point in the future, feeling disconnected from other people and experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“There is no credible evidence to suggest that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed. There are of course certain things that may make people feel down at this time of year, such as post-Christmas financial strains, broken New Year’s resolutions, bad weather and short daylight hours. However, depression is not just a one-day event. It can happen at any time.”