An Edinburgh therapist warns that Blue Monday oversimplifies mental health issues, potentially causing more harm than good in today’s challenging climate.
He says the idea of Blue Monday trivializes serious mental health issues. This day, often called the most depressing day of the year, falls on the third Monday in January.
Paul points out that many people are still feeling the financial pinch after Christmas. The darker winter nights don’t help either.
He feels that while Blue Monday aims to raise awareness, it oversimplifies the reality of depression. It’s not just a date on the calendar.
Paul argues that this concept promotes harmful ideas about mental health. It can undermine the seriousness of mental health struggles, especially among young people in Scotland.
He’s worried that brands use Blue Monday for marketing, which can lead to misunderstandings about mental health.
Scotland is facing significant challenges in child and adolescent mental health. Waiting lists for services are at record levels.
Paul believes that commercializing mental health through events like Blue Monday is tone-deaf. It can create a superficial understanding of what mental health really is.
Blue Monday was created in 2005 by a travel company. They claimed to use a formula based on various factors, but Paul thinks this approach misrepresents real mental health issues.
He emphasizes that mental health support needs long-term commitment. This includes better funding for services and genuine education about mental health in schools and workplaces.
