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17th January 2022
12:00pm GMT
Blue Monday has largely been a ploy by marketing companies to encourage consumers to buy things that they are led to believe will make them happier.
One of the factors in the equation that was said to equal to Blue Monday was the cold weather. Although cold weather and lack of vitamin D from the sun can have an impact on everyone's mood, it is very different from something that a lot of people suffer from; seasonal affective disorder.
"Seasonal affective disorder is very real to people and that is related to a lack of light with people’s brain functioning," says Stephen. "Neurochemically, they’re impacted by the lack of light in their life.
"It is a mental health condition and diagnosed by a psychiatrist. It's very much a real condition."
Blue Monday has long been debunked, but it still adds to misconceptions about serious mental illnesses as it markets them as something that can be fixed with a simple purchase.
"The idea that people may feel blue and it can be attributed to a specific day in the year risks minimising the true and real experience of depression for people in the world," Stephen says.
"We believe recovery is possible, but it is a very debilitating illness for those who suffer from it, and their loved ones."
Aware offers support for those suffering from depression through their helpline on 1800 8048 48. You can find out more here: aware. ieExplore more on these topics:
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