While ‘most depressing day’ has been debunked, winter comes with mental health challenges for many

TORONTO, January. 19, 2025 – Blue Monday, typically falling on the third Monday in January, has been dubbed ‘the most depressing day of the year.’ While this is more rooted in marketing than science, with the concept being popularized by a travel company a few decades ago to boost winter getaway sales, it does come at a time where it’s common for people to be experiencing issues with their mood, says 91��ɫ Faculty of Health Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell. 

Whether it’s the dark winter days, post-holiday debt or other factors, many people do struggle more with their mental health in the winter, and for some people the effect is stronger, going into Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

“Less daylight, colder weather, post-holiday excess recovery, including physical, mental and emotional, and a particularly bad flu season can all take their toll on our mental health,” says Pillai Riddell, also the Tier 1 91��ɫ Research Chair in Pain and Mental Health. 

Pillai Riddell says most Canadians report having the winter blues and is available to talk to media about strategies to cope with the winter blues./

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91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact:

Emina Gamulin, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

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