Blue Monday—the third Monday of January—has gained a reputation as the most depressing day of the year. After the festive cheer fades, many find themselves contending with gloomy weather, shorter daylight hours, and lingering financial burdens from the holiday season. These factors combine to make the start of the year particularly challenging for many individuals.
Though Blue Monday was originally coined in 2004 by a travel company to promote holiday bookings, the feelings of low mood and fatigue experienced by many during this time are very real. However, identifying depression in oneself or others can often be difficult.
Professor Ahmed Hankir, a consultant psychiatrist with over 426,000 TikTok followers, recently shared an insightful video outlining three early warning signs of depression that everyone should be aware of.
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First, he explained, depression can cause overwhelming exhaustion—not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. “Depression can drain all the energy out of your body,” Professor Hankir said. People struggling with depression may find it extremely hard to get out of bed and might spend entire days resting with little or no activity.
Second, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed is a major symptom. This condition, known as anhedonia, causes a person to derive no pleasure from hobbies or experiences they previously loved. For example, favorite meals or intimacy with a partner may no longer bring joy.
Third, depression often impairs concentration. Individuals may seem absent-minded, lose track of conversations, or appear “spaced out.” Such cognitive difficulties can be so pronounced that they mimic dementia, a phenomenon called pseudo-dementia. Importantly, these concentration issues typically resolve with appropriate depression treatment, such as antidepressant medication.
Professor Hankir cautions that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone is developing depression, but it signals the need to seek professional advice. Consulting a GP is the crucial first step, enabling access to tailored treatments that might include therapy, medication, or other interventions.
Support is available from many mental health charities across the UK for those who need it. In emergencies, individuals should dial 999 or visit A&E. For those facing suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans offer free, confidential support 24/7 at 116 123.
Recognizing these early signs of depression is essential to seeking timely help and improving mental wellbeing—especially during challenging periods like Blue Monday.