We’re told that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year. Reasons given include, the prevalence of post-Christmas debt, gloomy weather and failed New Year’s resolutions.
(Image: Canadian Mental Health Association)
Only it isn’t, it’s a myth, it’s completely fabricated This nonsense was first inflicted on the public by a UK travel company some years ago as a marketing gimmick to sell holidays. Ever since, this fiction has been tediously repeated each year, even though there is no science or research that corroborates its spurious claim. One might argue that trivialising genuine mental health problems such as depression and anxiety for commercial profit is, indeed, unacceptable.
It doesn’t take much to understand that mental health is individual to every one of us, along with our different circumstances. Mental health issues can affect us on any day of the year. We also need to make the distinction between feeling ‘down’ which is unpleasant but likely, temporary and depression which can significantly disable our day-to-day lives.
The message remains the same, on this day or any day – take care of each other, do the things you know that help you and above all, talk and stay connected with others.
THE TEARS OF A CLOWN 