Listen: Anna Richardson on not fearing Blue Monday

Blue Monday (19th January) is often labelled the most depressing day of the year, but new research suggests that for millions across the UK, poor mental wellbeing is no longer confined to a single date in the calendar.

Stress now runs through almost every aspect of daily life, with more than four in five people feeling stressed about family life (82%), lack of sleep (82%) and nearly three quarters experience stress linked to ‘brain fog’ (72%), highlighting that mental strain is no longer just emotional, but cognitive and physical too.

TV presenter and mental health advocate Anna Richardson, who has spoken openly about her own experiences with anxiety, burnout and menopause-related mental health challenges, says Blue Monday should act as a wider wake-up call rather than a one-day talking point.

The findings by Exomind show that stress has become the norm rather than the exception. Nearly two-thirds of people (65%) say they feel stressed about work, rising to almost nine in ten (89%) among 25–34-year-olds.

Aston spoke to TV presenter Anna Richardson.