Monday 20th January marks Multicoloured Monday, our campaign to dispel the myth of Blue Monday – supposed ‘saddest day of the year’.
Blue Monday, which typically falls on the third Monday of January, is based on a dubious formula that links post-holiday blues, cold weather, and other seasonal factors to an increase in mental health struggles. The ‘science’ behind Blue Monday has been widely criticised but the myth of the ‘saddest day of the year’ still features frequently in marketing campaigns and advertising.
Multicoloured Monday is all about rewriting the ‘Blue Monday’ narrative.
We want to spread the message that mental health challenges are not dictated by a day on the calendar – anyone can struggle with mental health at any time of year, for many different reasons.
To get this message shared far and wide, we are working with local partners across Leeds on some exciting multicoloured activities. Buildings across the city will be lit up in rainbow colours at locations including St John’s Shopping Centre and The Queen’s Hotel.
The Queen’s Hotel will also be hosting a coffee handout on New Station Street City Square between 8am and 10am, in partnership with North Star Coffee Roasters.
In the afternoon, Leeds Piano Trail, part of the Leeds International Piano Competition, will be playing live at Leeds Bus Station, 1pm – 3pm.
Multicoloured Monday offers an antidote to the negative stereotypes by encouraging everyone to add a splash of colour to their day and to reflect on the many ways we can support our mental wellbeing, every day of the year.
Multicoloured Monday is a chance to reflect on how we can take care of our mental health and reduce pressure to feel a certain way at a certain time. The Leeds Mind team will be wearing their most colourful outfits and we encourage you to join us!
Funds raised for Leeds Mind will go directly to mental health services offered in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area, including young people’s services, counselling, financial wellbeing services and suicide bereavement support.
“We believe that mental health should be talked about every day, not just on specific days. Rather than falling into the myth of Blue Monday, we’re encouraging people to celebrate Multicoloured Monday, where we recognise the diversity of emotions and experiences we all face. It’s a time to be kind to ourselves, support each other, and make mental health a priority, not just in January, but every day.”
– Sophie Westmoreland, Corporate and Events Fundraiser
