Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, has gained a reputation as the year’s most depressing day. The joyous spirit of the festive season has faded, winter’s gloom lingers, daylight fades early, and post-holiday financial pressures weigh heavily on many. It’s no surprise that feelings of sadness and low mood peak during this period.
Although Blue Monday originated as a marketing gimmick by a travel company in 2004, the early weeks of January genuinely present difficulties for countless people. Identifying depression early in yourself and others can be challenging but is crucial.
Professor Ahmed Hankir, a consultant psychiatrist with over 426,000 TikTok followers, recently shared a video highlighting three early warning signs of depression. He stressed that experiencing one or more of these symptoms may indicate the onset of depression, and anyone affected should seek professional help.
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“Depression drains your energy — not just physical tiredness, but emotional and mental exhaustion as well,” explains Ahmed. “People with depression may find it hard to get out of bed and might spend entire days lying down doing nothing.”
Another key signal is a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, a symptom known clinically as anhedonia. Ahmed clarifies, “This means a person no longer derives pleasure from things like eating their favourite meal or sharing intimacy with a partner.”
Difficulty concentrating is also a common feature. Ahmed notes, “Depressed individuals may appear absent or ‘spaced out’ and struggle to follow conversations. This cognitive impairment, sometimes called pseudo-dementia, can mimic dementia but improves with appropriate depression treatment.”
Importantly, Ahmed cautions that experiencing these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean depression is present, but they should not be ignored. The recommended first step is to consult a general practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan, which might include therapy, medication, or other interventions.
Support is also available through multiple charities offering help for mental health challenges. In emergency situations, immediate contact with emergency services or helplines like the Samaritans (free at 116 123) is crucial.
Recognizing these early warning signs can empower individuals to seek timely help, improving outcomes and well-being, especially on difficult days like Blue Monday.