the big blue

Winter has definitely hit and along with it, comes the winter blues. A seasonal depression thought to be associated with decreased daylight hours. So half (if not, most) of us have at one stage self-diagnosed ourselves with depression at some point in our fast-paced and stressful lives. However, after learning about it proper, I notice it a lot more when my friends are throwing it around loosely. If you're not familiar with the symptoms, here they are:

- depressed mood
- loss of appetite
- poor concentration/difficulty making decisions
- loss of enjoyment in things you normally would enjoy
- guilt/worthlessness
- more sleepy or waking up in the early hours of the morning
- less energy
- feeling lethargic
- thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideations.

Clinical depression is classified as feeling 5 or more of the abovementioned symptoms for more than 2 weeks. Reading through the list, sure, we all tick a couple of them off. Perhaps we've made the 5 criteria - and 2 weeks, doesn't seem like that long...

BUT

it isn't a diagnosis to be taken lightly. In those who suffer from depression, this really affects their life to a point where they are suffering to maintain friendships, relationships and unable to function at work because of it. Slowly, they go into what's called a 'social withdrawal', and in this state, there's a perpetuating cycle of negativity driving them deeper and deeper into the recesses of their depression.

The treatment with the highest cure rates for most types of depression (don't want to get too technical here) is psychotherapy, i.e. non-medication. This kind of therapy focuses on adjusting stressors and re-evaluating the way that you think and react to certain situations. If this doesn't work, then you can look into medicating - but don't be fooled into thinking it's a quick fix. Medications often take weeks to months to work. There is definitely a biological basis for depression, without a doubt some people are more susceptible than others because of the chemical-wiring of their brain. However, from my limited experience so far, I can already see the profound importance of a sturdy support network - whether it be family or friends. Their healing hands are a thousand times more potent and the effects are much longer lasting than any of the antidepressants we can prescribe.

Just thought you should know. If you're ever feeling down, never hesitate to reach out to a friend and if you're reading this, know that you'll never have to be alone, call ME! :)

Listening to After hours by the Velvet Underground