Why today will be most depressing of the year

For today has been judged the most miserable of the year with winter weather, growing bills and abandoned New Year's resolutions conspiring to bring us down.

Mental health professionals have predicted that today will be one of the most miserable "Blue Mondays" ever, as Scots struggle with steep credit cards bills, continuing poor weather in some areas and fears over job security.

Psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall has used a mathematical formula to work out that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year.

Dr Arnall gave ratings to "depression factors", including the sub-zero weather, fading Christmas memories, growing credit card bills, abandoned New Year's resolutions, the wait until payday and low motivation.

He fed the factors and every day of the year into his equation and today came out with the highest "depression score".

The former Cardiff University psychology lecturer, who now runs a "happiness clinic", said: "The depression around at the moment stacks up at least equal to, if not higher than, the depression at this time last year.

"It's still a risky time in the job market, with companies making cutbacks and unemployed people still not having jobs. Christmas is gone and people have bills way beyond their budget and no way to pay them.

"The snow was fun for a while, but caused so many problems with transport and is having a negative effect, particularly on older people who are not leaving their homes at all."

Mental health specialists have responded by urging Scots to take action to beat the blues.

Suzie Vestri, director of Scotland's mental health campaign "see me", said people needed to give themselves a break and take some time to look after each other. She said: "January is hard on us, and it's unsurprising that these factors leave us feeling a little overwhelmed.

"You don't have to be an expert to protect the mental health and wellbeing of those around you. Take ten minutes to notice how they look, how they seem and make it clear that you care about how they are."

The poor mood could cost businesses thousands of pounds, as staff sickness levels were expected to be particularly high today.

FirstCare, which provides absent management services, revealed that the whole of January is particularly marred by high absenteeism. Chief executive Aaron Ross said: "With absenteeism costing significant amounts of money, we would advise employers to show their support to employees in January.

"As the downturn continues and cutbacks need to be made, we urge businesses to communicate any wellbeing initiatives available to their staff which may help support them through difficult times and reduce absenteeism."