THE Sheffield weather is depressing, New Year's resolutions have failed and overdrafts have reached epic proportions.
It seems Sir Isaac Newton was right – what goes up must come down, and after a festive period of high-spirited revelling the January blues have gripped the city.
Leading psychologist Dr Cliff Arnalls has confirmed what the jaded post-Christmas population have long suspected – January is the worst month of the year and today just so happens to be the most depressing day.
Dr Arnalls, of Cardiff University, claims January 24 is the precise day when most people reach the depths of despair due to mounting debts, failed New Year's resolutions and of course the miserable winter weather.
He says January 24 is the exact point at which the energy we get from a relaxing Christmas break wears off and we begin to feel despair due to a lack of motivation.
Life Coach Margaret McAngus of Sheffield-based business MMCA said: "This time of year is always difficult for people. Motivation is waning for New Year's resolutions and Christmas costs are piling up. There is also a lack of natural sunlight, and the dull dark days mean that many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder which makes them feel depressed and lethargic.
"The best cure is to wrap up warm and get out in the fresh air, and also pay attention to your body language. A straight and open posture, with head held high instead of looking to the ground, is an instant mood booster."
After a Christmas of frivolous spending the credit card bills have now come through, and most of us still have another week to wait before pay-day.
"Many people spent all their money weeks ago over the festive period," said Steve Wilcox of the Sheffield Debt Support Line. "This year we have had more calls than ever before from people worried about all the debts they have built up over Christmas.
"I would urge all those in debt to get some advice from an impartial support service like ours, because ignoring a huge stack of bills and a soaring overdraft will not make them go away. Taking control of finances is the first step to freedom from debt."
Dr Arnalls says most people ditch their New Year's resolutions after about a week and then end up feeling guilty about it – so if you've ruined your good intentions by having a cigarette or cream cake then you are not alone.
"We see a 50 per cent increase in people coming to us for help over the New Year period," said Chantil Wood, lead nurse at the Sheffield Stop Smoking Service. "But if people try to stop smoking without any professional advice only one or two out of 100 will be successful.
"The best thing to do is to get help from a support service – seven out of 10 people who join our stop smoking groups or come to us for advice manage to kick the habit."
And if this report has plunged you into a black mood try not to worry – every cloud has a silver lining and January 24 will soon be over for another year. Roll on tomorrow!

Beating the winter blues
CHEER up! January 24-fuelled depression is the perfect excuse to ignore the ironing, push the dirty dishes to one side and enjoy one of the following treats tonight:

Try a candlelit bubble bath with a few drops of essential oils. Lavender is good if you want to relax, while chamomile soothes and comforts.

Cook up a hot comforting dinner with mood-boosting foods like oily fish, chicken, beans, lentils and tofu.

Getting to grips with your finances might seem stressful but it will reduce your worry in the long term. Call the Sheffield Debt Support Service for guidance on 0114 2555455.

If you want to stop smoking this year but have already fallen off the wagon the Sheffield Stop Smoking Service can help – call 0800 0684490.

Look up and stand up straight – posture and body language is a mood booster.