Blue Monday, considered the saddest day of the year
This January 21, 2019, is the third Monday of the month and for some years now it has been known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year according to an Anglo-Saxon scientist. It was created by a travel agency to boost its sales.
Because of this, many consumers on these days seek “solace” in shopping, in organizing a getaway… Brands and companies launch advertising campaigns to spread “joy” among consumers and, consequently, increase purchases. Consumption is not frowned upon by today’s society, but it can be a risk factor for shopping addiction.
People who suffer from this addiction experience an irresistible urge to buy products that are usually unnecessary, which generates anxiety, and can lead to financial problems, as well as feelings of shame and loss of control. This can also result in other problems such as depression.
In our current society, the idea of combating sadness and depressive feelings, such as those theoretically instilled by this day, by buying things, as well as during any festivity, is deeply rooted.
Blue Monday is, after all, just another day. If you want to spend it doing something different to lift your spirits on this “sad day,” start new activities, meet up with friends and loved ones, go on excursions… don’t fall into fierce consumerism.
There is always a way out
The help of family and friends and the support of specialized professionals is key for addiction to be detected in time. In these types of addictions, cognitive-behavioral therapies are usually the most indicated, with group therapies or mutual aid groups, as patients benefit from the possibility of sharing the problem with people suffering from the same addiction.
