What do the third Monday in January and January 13 have in common?
Both dates are related to depression, a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by profound sadness, loss of interest, low self-esteem, and other symptoms that interfere with normal functioning in daily life.
January 13 marked World Depression Day, an initiative that seeks to raise awareness about this illness, prevent its onset, promote its diagnosis and proper treatment, and support those who suffer from it and their families. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a common mental disorder. It is estimated that approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
On the other hand, the third Monday in January has become known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year. This idea is based on a pseudoscientific formula that takes into account factors such as the weather, accumulated debt, the time elapsed since Christmas, motivation, and other elements. However, this theory has no scientific basis and has been widely criticized by experts, who consider it a marketing strategy that can trivialize depression and generate false expectations.
The reality is that depression does not have a specific day, but can appear at any time and for various reasons, including biological, psychological, or social causes. Furthermore, depression is not the same as sadness, which is a normal and temporary emotion that we all experience when faced with difficult or painful situations. Depression, on the other hand, is an illness that requires professional attention and can have serious consequences for the health and quality of life of those who suffer from it.
It is important not to confuse Blue Monday with World Depression Day, or to get caught up in the pessimism or consumerism associated with this date.
What really matters is taking care of our mental health, seeking help if we feel depressed or distressed, and offering our support and understanding to people who are going through this situation. Only then can we tackle depression, an illness that knows no calendar or color.
