“Blue Monday” is the third Monday of January, and according to UK travel company Sky Travel, it’s the saddest day of the year. Though the formula used to calculate this date has since been debunked, it’s not uncommon to feel a greater sense of sadness this month.
In fact, many people refer to the increased melancholy during this time as the “January blues.” For some, the holidays can be a period of friction, and when the celebratory rush is over, people can be left feeling alone and out of routine. We’ve written before about how the holidays can be a period of stress for everyone, but particularly youth and those with family members with lived experience.
December is also often a time of extra or unexpected spending, which can be a source of anxiety in the new year.
There are external conditions at play here as well: being midway through winter means still-limited daylight, and the often-colder temperatures means more time spent cooped up indoors.
But while the “January blues” are common and not always a part of a larger condition, the winter months can also be particularly hard for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). About 15% of Canadians will experience the January blues, while only about 2-3% will experience SAD (CMHA).
According to PsychCentral, both SAD and the January blues can share symptoms of:
- low mood
- general fatigue
- sleep disturbances
- eating changes
- loss of libido
- social withdrawal
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- low self-esteem
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please refer to your healthcare and support system. We have also added some resources to this post for additional support.
Resources
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, please call 911. If you are in BC and looking for mental health and substance abuse info or support in a non-emergency, please dial 8-1-1.
- Mental Health Information and Support Line: 310-6789
- 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433, or 9-8-8 (Canada-wide)
- Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service: 1-800-663-1441 or 604-660-9382 (Lower Mainland)
- KUU-US Crisis Response Service: 1-800-588-8717
- Seniors’ Distress Line: 604-872-1234
- Crisis Services Canada: 833-456-4566 (24/7, toll-free) or text 45645 (4 pm–12 am EST)
We also have programming running throughout January and February here at BCSS for those looking for more support or community. You can view our full events calendar here for more information.