Thanks to the lack of sunshine, post-Christmas debt and failed New Year's resolutions, the third Monday in January is said to be the gloomiest of the year. To make matters even worse, Monday 2017 could even be the most depressing yet.

Psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall, the man who calculated when unhappiness peaks, has said that this year could be even more miserable than usual, The Telegraph reports. According to Arnall, it's all down to the added anxiety caused by Trump, Brexit and the recent deaths of iconic stars including George Michael, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.

"Seasonal depression factors are coming together on Blue Monday – and additional concerns make 2017's Blue Monday even more depressing than other years," Dr Arnall explained.

"Credit card bills are a big problem after Christmas, snow, ice and floods are causing worries, and many feel a lack of motivation," he added. "Other extra factors this year are Trump and Brexit causing uncertainty and increasing people's fears. The deaths of so many celebrities, many in their 50s and 60s, has also worried people by reminding them of their own mortality."

While January is known to be a dreary month, Dr. Arnall, who runs courses on confidence and mindfulness, is encouraging people to embrace positivity at the start of the new year.

"The easiest way to be happy is spending more time with people who love you and like you as you are," he said. "Use Blue Monday as a springboard for change, whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking, embark on a dream or change job. Make the most of your life and live it to the full."

So take control, and make Blue Monday a little brighter. There's only five months to go until the happiest day of the year, after all.