January 12 'most depressing day'

12 January 2009 05:01am

A combination of financial, health and other factors make January 12 the most depressing day of the year, it has been claimed.

Psychologist Dr David Lewis said that January 12 coincides with post-Christmas money shortages, winter weather, being back at work and a long wait until the next public holiday.

The cognitive neuropsychologist, author of One Minute Stress Management, identified six main causes for feeling down at this time of the year.

Firstly, it is the day when the true cost of Christmas hits home and people worry about how much they spent over the festive season and how they are going to pay the bills.

By January 12, most will have given up on New Year's resolutions and feel guilty about it, he said.

Dr Lewis also pointed out that the majority of people will have been back at work for a week, pushing the fun of Christmas and New Year to a distant memory.

In addition, he suggested that Seasonal Affective Disorder often kicks in following the festivities as Britons struggle to overcome the "winter blues".

Moreover, there are 88 days to go until the next public holiday - Good Friday - and the stresses of the year ahead start to dawn.

Finally, on January 12 it will be another 76 days before British Summer Time begins and brings an end to dark mornings and evenings.

The psychologist recommended taking a hot bath to cheer up. He said: "This helps ease away muscle tension and, by drawing blood closer to the surface, increases relaxation which will inevitably improve your mood."

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