Now that memories of December have faded, the realities of "Jan-u-worry" are settling in and it's no surprise that today is widely considered the "worst day of the year". The third Monday of January is a week away from payday, it's the first day back at work for many and it heralds a full school week ahead.Around the world this day is the official "Blue Monday" and today is its 11th anniversary. It was in 2005 that psychologist Cliff Arnell dubbed the third Monday of January the "most depressing day of the year" and created a formula to prove it as a scientific fact.While some say there is no basis for naming this the worst day in the year, many local psychologists have warned people not to dismiss the additional stress, anxiety and depression January may bring.Johannesburg clinical psychologist Liane Lurie says the assumption that people returned from their December break rested and optimistic is wrong."There is an increase in people seeking help at this time. We've found there tends to be a desperate scramble towards the end of the year and then, in January, it starts to peak," Lurie said.Cassey Chambers, the operations director at the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, said while there were the same number of calls for help in January, the reasons differed.She said in the beginning of the year the organisation dealt with more calls from people anxious about a new job, relationship issues, starting a new school and financial problems.Other experts said the third Monday of January is especially tough for those returning to work.Clinical psychologist Leonard Carr said January is widely considered a "depressing" month because many people had just returned from holiday.Carr said: "During December people got into a relaxing zone and to now get back into the work zone can be depressing. Sadly, a lot of . people don't love what they do so it feels as if they're returning to a prison sentence."Psychologists said political and social conditions in South Africa only fuel the stress and anxiety.Carr said this is directly linked to the perceived sense in the country "that things are falling apart".He said: "South Africa has had a pessimistic, complaining culture [for years]. We aren't very optimistic. We need to look at our growth and realise it is often painful. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude."Manage stressTen ways to help you deal with stress:Identify the problem;Reach out to friends, family or a counsellor;Work out a budget for the year;Be proactive. If you are unemployed, look for skills development programmes in the meantime;Exercise three times a week, for 40 minutes - walk, jog, skip - to get your heart rate up;Take time out from your hectic schedule;Drink calming tea;Get regular sleep;Minimise alcohol; andAvoid drugs...