- In the context of Blue Monday, specialists from the Ribera healthcare group debunk myths and remind us that feeling sad is normal, but warn that depression is a health problem that requires professional attention.
- “Not all discomfort requires treatment,” says a psychologist from the group, “but when sadness ceases to be a state and becomes a way of being in the world, it is advisable to stop and ask for help.”
With dates like Blue Monday (or the saddest Monday of the year) approaching, mental health professionals are warning of the risk of confusing everyday sadness with clinical depression, a “simplification” that can delay diagnosis and access to treatment for many people who need it. Psychologists from various healthcare centers within the group Ribera They emphasize the importance of differentiating between the two concepts and dispelling myths that still surround depression.
From the Psychology team at the hospital Ribera Polusa —comprised of Belén Vázquez, María Novo, Lucía Fernández, Cristina López, Lucía Arza, and Steisy de la Torre— explain that sadness is a basic, universal, and necessary emotion. “It is not a negative emotion, although it is unpleasant, and it serves an adaptive function: it helps us process pain, reflect, and recognize the need for care,” they point out. Depression, on the other hand, is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent low mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding activities. This can be accompanied by sleep and appetite disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of excessive guilt, worthlessness, or even thoughts of death. “The key difference compared to sadness lies in the intensity and duration of the symptoms and the impairment they cause in daily life,” they emphasize.
Along the same lines, Juan Pablo López, psychologist at Ribera Hospital of MolinaShe clarifies that “not all discomfort requires treatment, but depression does require professional attention.” And she adds a clear warning: “When sadness ceases to be a state and becomes a way of being in the world, it’s advisable to stop and seek help.”
Warning signs and risk of becoming chronic
Experts agree that normal sadness can become a problem when it persists, ceases to be linked to a specific event, and interferes with daily functioning. Loss of interest, isolation, changes in personality, constant irritability, or expressions of hopelessness are warning signs that should not be ignored. Mercedes Maruenda, psychologist at Ribera PractiserShe warns against the indiscriminate use of terms like “being depressed.” “The term ‘depression’ is often used out of context, when a person is simply having a bad day or going through a rough patch. This trivializes the concept and obscures the real problem, underestimating symptoms and increasing the stigma,” she explains.
This trivialization, experts agree, can cause many people to delay seeking help because they feel guilty or think that "it's not that big of a deal." "Trivialization delays help and leads to cases arriving at consultations more chronic," warns Juan Pablo López.
Common myths surrounding Blue Monday
Psychologists warn that the Blue Monday phenomenon often spreads misconceptions, such as associating depression solely with the weather, the day of the week, or the calendar. “Depression doesn't appear because it's Monday, nor does it disappear because the weekend arrives,” López reminds us.
The professionals at Ribera Polusa debunk some of the most common myths about mental health: “Depression is not a sign of weakness, it's not due to a lack of willpower, it's not synonymous with sadness, it can affect both men and women, and it doesn't last forever.” “No one gets depressed on purpose, nor can they be cured by willpower alone. It's a health problem,” they emphasize.
Multiple causes and prevention
Experts agree that depression results from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Genetic predisposition, traumatic experiences, low self-esteem, chronic stress, loneliness, or stressful life events can all contribute to its development. Therefore, reducing it to a "lack of positive attitude" is not only incorrect but also harmful.
In terms of prevention, professionals emphasize the importance of basic habits: getting enough sleep, maintaining regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and building support networks. “Our calming system is activated by hugs, laughter, and safe spaces to talk,” they point out at Ribera Polusa.
The head of Mental Health at Vinalopó University HospitalDr. Luis Fabián Mahecha affirms that “leaning on family, friends, and loved ones is the best way to cope with situations that cause sadness. It is advisable to seek alternatives to the problem and not fall into the trap of pessimism,” he explains. He adds, as a recommendation, that it is important “not to let the situation consume us, avoid isolation, and try to maintain activities and routines; these can prevent the pain from progressing. Even when alone, we must draw on inner strength that allows us to be resilient,” he advises.
Agustín Gallardo, psychologist at the health centers of Riverbank in Lorca And Águilas focuses on childhood and adolescence, where symptoms can go unnoticed. “Isolation or emotional instability can be mistaken for 'just a phase.' It is essential to talk about mental health at home, observe changes in children's and adolescents' routines, and ask for help to rule out problems and learn how to support them,” she recommends.
Ask for help in time
Experts remind us that you don't have to be "in a terrible state" to seek professional help. "When distress begins to affect your personal, professional, or family life, asking for help is an act of responsibility," says Mercedes Maruenda. The first consultation, they explain, is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can begin to understand what's happening and develop a personalized intervention plan.
As a final message, the psychologists make a clear appeal: “Sadness is a part of life, and there’s no need to be afraid of feeling it. But when the discomfort persists, intensifies, or begins to consume everything, it’s not advisable to normalize it or endure it in silence. Taking care of your mental health also means seeking help in time.”
