What Boltonians think about Blue Monday

Worked out by psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall with an equation, the day was reportedly created to find the bleakest day to help a travel company sell holidays.

The equation worked out the point where worsening weather, the period before January pay day and lull after Christmas, would be at its worst.

However, some scientists have evaluated the theory as being unscientific.

We asked residents in the town centre what they think about Blue Monday and whether we could do more in the UK to improve our mental health.

Dale Mouhlen thought there is usually a January lull, but that it has improved post-Covid (Image: Newsquest)

Dale Mouhlen, aged 59, from Tonge Moor, said: “I’m just looking forward to summer.

“January is always a long month, once you get it out of the way it’s not so bad.

“There always is. I don’t think it has been as bad since we came out of Covid.

“In the years prior to Covid I definitely thought the roads were quieter.”

He added: “But I think people have changed their attitudes now, before Covid roads would be quiet, but now they’re as busy as they’ve ever been.

“I think people have changed their perspective on things.”

Rima Allou, aged 30, from the town centre, said: “I don’t believe that because we all have different circumstances, so I don’t think everyone will feel that on the same day.

Rima Allou thought that Blue Monday wasn't such a real thing, as people have different personalities and circumstances (Image: Newsquest)

“Circumstances and personalities can be different.”

On being asked whether she thought the UK could do more to improve its mental health, Rima, who is from Algeria, said: “I feel that it’s the nature of UK people to not be so social. I think socialising would help mental health.

“Back home, people are always close with family and friends.”

Robert Balshaw, aged 89, from Darwen, said: “It’s the Monday morning blues, yeah definitely it’s a thing.”

On being asked about mental health in the UK, he said: “Well I think more information would be ideal, there’s not a lot of information about.”

Robert Balshaw recognised a 'Monday morning blues' phenomenon, which he thought was worse in January (Image: Newsquest)

Marie Carney, aged 59, from Westhoughton, said: “I think it is a thing, especially when it’s as cold as it is today.

“When it’s cold it makes us all sad. That’s why I look at travel agents and hope to be somewhere with a bit more sunshine.”

She added: “I’m sure there’s lots of things we could be doing (about mental health). Easy access, less waiting.”

Khafid Lihammed, aged 28, from Heaton, said: “I think it happens around the world. I’m from Nigeria and after the festive period people are currently down.

“It’s generally long and boring. Almost every person in the world finds this hard.”

He added: “I think a lot of things need to be put off. Alcohol, gambling, drugs and many bad things happen around the world.

“I think it’s really affecting everyone. Sometimes you can be down and take alcohol, but when you come out of it you feel the same feeling, but worse.”

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said: “It’s how you look at things in life. You hear all these things.

“Cold Monday, I agree, but blue? I don’t think so. Because even if it’s true what they’re saying, I never take any notice of things like that.

“Happiness is something you create in your mind.”

He added: “I feel sorry for anyone suffering with mental health issues of course, my daughter works in the NHS and I know she works with people who have those issues.

“It’s not nice for people, there should be support if people get to that stage where they need help, they definitely should get it.”