Blue Monday 2026: What is Blue Monday, when is it, and where to get mental health support in Scotland?
Each January there is said to be one day in particular which is said to be the most miserable of the year: Blue Monday.
With the festive season feeling like a long-distant memory and the weather typically leaning towards the cold and damp, for many January feels like the longest month of the year.
With school and work all back to normal and the dark nights stretching on, it is hardly a surprise that we end up feeling more glum than usual, especially for those who received an early pay in December.
But does this really mean that there is one day in particular that is worse than all the others? According to some, the answer is yes.
Here’s when Blue Monday is in 2026, why it’s called that and if actually is the most depressing day of the year.
When is Blue Monday 2026?
In 2026, Blue Monday is today, Monday, January 19.
What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is the third Monday in January, which is said to be the most depressing of the year.
In reality, there is little evidence to back up the claim that the third Monday is January truly is the most miserable of the year.
Blue Monday is a marketing ploy
The term is first said to have been invented in 2005 by psychologist Cliff Arnall, who was asked by travel company Sky Travel for a way to promote the sale of winter holidays.
While he did utilise weather data, debt information, days passed since Christmas, motivation levels, and various failed New Year’s Resolutions, there is no true scientific evidence to support his claims.
The long and short of it is that Blue Monday is a marketing tactic which was originally created to sell holidays.
Although there is no one day which is scientifically worse than others, there is evidence that the autumn and winter months lead to lower moods due to the long, dark nights, poor weather and a reduction in outdoor activities.
There is also an increase in cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which itself is often linked to a lack of sunlight.
If you’re looking to fend off the winter blues, try participating in Brew Monday
Charities such as Samaritans offer year round mental health support, but have turned Blue Monday into Brew Monday.
Also taking place on the third January of Monday is Brew Monday, an event which encourages people to reach out for a cup of tea and to catch up with those they care about.
Whether that is reaching out via a message if someone has gone quiet in a group chat, or if you’ve not heard from someone in a while, sometimes taking that first step can give someone the chance to truly open up.
Need some support?
If you feel in need of some support, here are some charities and organisations which may be able to help:
Samaritans Scotland: Call 116 123 for free, at any time, or email [email protected]. There are also further resources available online.
Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH): Visit SAMH online or get in touch via email. There are also walk-in mental health support hubs in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 or visit Breathing Space online for support.
Childline: Call 0800 1111 at any time, or get in touch online.
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