Context:
Today, 19 January 2026, is Blue Monday 2026, the third Monday in January often dubbed the most depressing day of the year. Is it a myth or a reality?
Today, 19 January 2026, is Blue Monday 2026, the third Monday in January often dubbed the most depressing day of the year. Is it a myth or a reality?
Members of the media may directly contact:
Nafissa Ismail (English and French)
Full Professor, Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences; Director – LIFE Research Institute
Professor Ismail is a leading voice on how environmental factors and biological stress affect the brain. She can comment on why the "winter blues" feel so physically and mentally draining.
"Blue Monday is a concept that originated initially in a marketing campaign, but it is a true concept that highlights the many challenges that we experience towards the middle/end of January, including debt, failed resolution, winter gloom, and most importantly the struggles of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Self-care is critical during such challenging times."