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 12 October 2008 00:32 BST

Today 'most depressing of the year'

Monday, 22 Jan 2007 08:22
January 22nd: A melancholy day
People feeling especially downbeat today can take some heart in the fact that things can only get better, as January 22nd is recognised as the most depressing day of the year.

In 2006 Cardiff University's Cliff Arnall deduced a mathematical equation showing that a series of "depressive effects" combined to make the first Monday of the final week of January the most demoralising in the entire calendar.

Dr Arnall's equation incorporates factors such as the miserable January weather, mounting debts, Christmas' fading glow and faltering new year resolutions.

It comes as emotional support charity Samaritans says it is anticipating a higher than normal amount of calls this month.

Two years ago more than five million people contacted the charity, with 5,396 calls received on Boxing Day alone.

The charity recommends that in order to beat 'blue Monday', as it has been designated, people should try to do something new at work or at home, which could include doing more exercise, contacting a friend or being nice to a stranger.

Kate Redway, public relations officer for Samaritans, said: "Sadly, one in five people in the UK experience depression and this time of year can be particularly difficult, with people in debt after Christmas and finding it hard to settle back into a work routine during dark days."

Volunteers will be at Victoria station during rush hour today to hand out free cups of tea and advice on beating the new year blues.

January 22nd: The worst day of the year?

[W + (D-d)] x TQ
_______________
M x NA

Weather (W)
Debt (d)
Time since Christmas (T)
New year resolutions (Q)
Low motivation (M)
Feeling of a need to take action (Na)End of story


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