Every January, a familiar message circulates on social media, in the news, and advertising campaigns: Blue Monday has arrived, known as “the saddest day of the year.” For 2026, this concept is once again making headlines, though experts insist it lacks scientific backing and its origin is more marketing-driven than psychological.
What is Blue Monday and when does it occur in 2026?
Blue Monday typically falls on the third Monday of January, a date that, according to popular narrative, concentrates a combination of negative factors: winter chill, post-holiday debts, return to work, and frustration over unmet New Year’s resolutions.
Although 2026 marks this date as the “saddest Monday”, experts emphasize that there is no scientific evidence to confirm that a specific day in the calendar is universally more depressing than any other.
The Origin of the Concept: A Highly Questioned Formula
The term Blue Monday was proposed in 2005 by British psychologist Cliff Arnall, who claimed to have created a mathematical formula capable of identifying the most depressing day of the year. This formula included variables like weather, economic situation, time elapsed since Christmas, and abandonment of New Year’s resolutions.
However, over time, the scientific community has labeled this formula as pseudoscience, lacking rigorous methodology and having emerged as part of a marketing campaign to boost travel sales in the UK.
Why Science Doesn’t Support Blue Monday
Psychologists and mental health specialists agree that mood cannot be reduced to an equation or a single day of the year. The sadness, anxiety, or well-being depend on multiple personal, social, economic, and cultural factors that vary from person to person and country to country.
Moreover, generalizing this concept ignores that:
- Not everyone experiences winter the same way.
- Economic and social conditions differ between regions.
- Depression is a complex disorder that doesn’t respond to specific dates.
- From universities and research centers, it has been warned that talking about Blue Monday as a real fact can trivialize depression, a medical condition requiring professional attention.
The Cultural and Media Effect of “The Saddest Day of the Year”
Despite lacking scientific support, Blue Monday has managed to remain a cultural and media phenomenon. Each year it is picked up by brands, companies, and digital platforms as an opportunity to promote wellness, entertainment, or self-care products and services.
Experts advise that this type of messaging can generate suggestive effects, especially in young or highly social media-exposed populations, reinforcing the idea that one “should” feel sadness on that date.
January, Winter, and Mental Health: What’s Real
Although Blue Monday doesn’t exist as a scientific phenomenon, it’s true that January can be an emotionally complex month for some people. Factors like the end of the holiday period, the so-called “January slump,” return to routine, and shorter days can influence mood.
Experts remind us that decreasing sunlight, increased stress, and changes in social dynamics can affect emotional well-being, but this does not automatically equate to depression.
Depression: A Real Condition Without a Calendar
Depression is not a trend or a marketing concept. It’s a serious mental health disorder that can manifest at any time of the year and requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
In Mexico, a significant portion of the population has experienced depressive symptoms at some point in their lives, so experts advise against minimizing emotional distress or associating it solely with symbolic dates.
If you feel depressed or anxious, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Blue Monday? It’s a term popularized in 2005 to describe the third Monday in January as allegedly the most depressing day of the year. However, it lacks scientific backing.
- Why do experts disagree with Blue Monday? They argue that mood is influenced by numerous personal, social, economic, and cultural factors, not just a single day. Moreover, it can trivialize depression, a serious medical condition.
- What is real about mental health in January? The transition back to routine after holidays can affect emotional well-being due to factors like less sunlight and increased stress. However, this doesn’t equate to depression.
- How can I help if I’m feeling down? If you’re experiencing depression or anxiety, seek professional help. Various organizations in Mexico provide mental health support.
And the Happiest Day of the Year?
Also created is the Yellow Day, or the Happiest Day of the Year, a non-official celebration held annually on June 20th. It’s typically celebrated on the third Friday of June, though the exact date can vary according to the calendar.
