Why January Can Feel Difficult 

For many people, January brings a combination of challenges:

• Short daylight hours and dark mornings, which can affect mood and energy
• Cold weather limiting time outdoors
• Financial pressure following Christmas
• Returning to work or school routines after the festive period

These factors can contribute to low mood, anxiety, or feeling emotionally drained — not just on one day, but throughout the month.

Why the Idea of Blue Monday Can Be Unhelpful

Labelling one day as “the most depressing” can:

• Oversimplify mental health experiences
• Suggest low mood has a clear start and end date
• Create pressure to feel better once the day has passed

Mental health doesn’t work like that. Feelings don’t follow a timetable.

A More Supportive Way to Approach January

Rather than focusing on Blue Monday, it can help to tune in to how you’re feeling and consider what could help:

• Make the most of daylight where possible
• Keep routines simple and realistic
• Stay connected with others
• Be kind to yourself about energy levels

Small, gentle steps are often more helpful than pushing yourself to “feel positive”. This could be taking a short walk, reaching out to a friend or reading that book that you kept meaning to start.

When Counselling Might Help

If low mood or anxiety feels persistent, heavy, or difficult to manage alone, counselling can offer a safe and confidential space to talk things through. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek support.

A Final Thought

Blue Monday isn’t a diagnosis. If January feels hard, you’re not alone and support is available.