today is statistically the most depressing day of the year

figures.

Feeling depressed? Welcome to Blue Monday - officially the most miserable day of the year
If you think life is a grind and you'd rather be doing anything other than going to work, you're not alone.

Today is officially Blue Monday - the most miserable day of the year.

A combination of Arctic temperatures, Christmas debt and the next pay day feeling like it's months away leaves many of us depressed and unable to face work.

And to make matters worse, you probably can't afford to take time off sick thanks to the recession or because you've already had days off as a result of the snow.

The gloomy research was carried out by FirstCare, a company that helps firms tackle absenteeism.

Chief executive Aaron Ross said: 'Blue Monday has been described as the most depressive day of the year with absence rates expected to be higher.

'With absenteeism costing significant amounts of money, we advise employers to show their support to employees in January.

'We urge businesses to support their staff through difficult times and reduce absenteeism.'

But it is thought there may not be as high a sick rate today as in previous years because workers are struggling with the recession.

Many also had days off during the recent weather, leaving them less inclined to pick up the phone and put on a 'sick' voice today.

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