01/19/2026
"Blue Monday" might be a marketing construct, but the heavy feelings it evokes are profoundly real for many. 💙
Today, January 19th, marks another "Blue Monday," a concept I learned about years ago. While its origins are rooted in a mid-2000s marketing formula (one that mental health experts have rightly criticized), I completely understand why the idea resonates. January can indeed feel like a weighty month: shorter daylight hours, post-holiday bills, the dip in momentum after big goals are set, and the everyday realities of life and work showing up.
The most important truth is this: If you're navigating a tough period, it doesn't mean you're "behind." It means you're human. Depression and mental health challenges don't adhere to a calendar, and they certainly aren't confined to a single Monday.
So, if "Blue Monday" serves any positive purpose, let it be a gentle reminder to:
• Send that text you've been meaning to send.
• Take that walk, even if it's just around the block.
• Have that honest conversation.
• Check in on a strong friend or colleague.
You don't need a perfect day, or a perfect mood, to take a small, meaningful step forward.
We're all in this together. Take care of yourselves and each other.