365NEWSX
365NEWSX
Subscribe

Welcome

Today's 'Blue Monday' depression peak isn't real, but seasonal blues are. Here's what to do about them - CNN

Today's 'Blue Monday' depression peak isn't real, but seasonal blues are. Here's what to do about them - CNN

Today's 'Blue Monday' depression peak isn't real, but seasonal blues are. Here's what to do about them - CNN
Jan 18, 2021 1 min, 58 secs

Every January now, blogs share their tips for how people can save themselves from the gloom, companies jump at the chance to promote their feel-good products and services, and social media follow suit.

Origin of a health myth

Blue Monday began with a news release.

In 2005, the now-defunct United Kingdom TV channel Sky Travel sent journalists an excited promotional announcement that, with the help of a psychologist, it had calculated the most miserable day of the year.

"There is generally more sadness in the winter time and January is not uncommon at all for overall more sadness among folks," said Dr.

"So rather than dial in to one specific day, I think the more interesting question is what it is about the winter that affects our mood."

Some fuel stoking the Blue Monday fire could also be the phenomenon that's based on research from Japan.

"I guess a lot of people recognize it in themselves."

Arnall has also claimed to campaign against his own idea of Blue Monday as part of the "activist group" Stop Blue Monday.

they don't really make that much difference to regular people," added Arnall, who was paid £1,200 to come up with Blue Monday.

That's not a popular view in the profession, however.

"This is not the right way to raise awareness," said Dr.

"Depression is a clinical syndrome that has to be at least two weeks, most of the day, most days over time."

However, the winter blues are real

Critics of the concept of a "Blue Monday" have held that attributing clinical depression to external causes — such as the idea that the number of days since Christmas may adversely affect people influenced by it — by suggesting their condition could be solved with something as easy as booking a vacation to a sunny beach.

What is real is the winter blues, more clinically known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

It's a form of depression that people experience usually during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.

"If you can't get natural sunlight, buy a light box," he said.

In anticipation of the return of symptoms in late fall, some people begin light therapy in early fall to prevent them.

Smart light bulbs, which can be activated by a Google Home or Amazon Echo device, can help you gently fall asleep or wake up by slowly brightening or dimming.

Summarized by 365NEWSX ROBOTS

RECENT NEWS

SUBSCRIBE

Get monthly updates and free resources.

CONNECT WITH US

© Copyright 2024 365NEWSX - All RIGHTS RESERVED