by Kate Diuguid ’22

Not every teen who goes through depressive spells has depression. You may be surprised to know that you don’t have to have clinical depression to feel depressed every now and then. Feeling despondent can easily be mistaken as casual sadness, but this parasite is actually a chemical imbalance in your brain. Symptoms of feeling depressed go far beyond ordinary sadness. Along with a general sense of melancholy, you may experience a significant decrease or increase in appetite, a loss of interest in your normal activities, unconscious isolation from your friends and family, and a feeling of a weight pulling you down. Depressive spells can come when you least expect them, but here are five tips to deal with the big-time blues.

1. Visit The Net.

I’m sure everyone has heard of Dr. Minus’ new mental health space from the morning announcements, social media, or the overall buzz among students about dogs in school and free hot chocolate. D214 has been transformed into a space to wind down from the stress of school. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression hit mid-school day, and now there is a perfect spot to combat this feeling.

2. Download a mood journal.

Mood journal apps such as My Life My Voice can really come in handy with features like Life Tips and live chats with professional help. The app is simple but effective; you choose a mood that you’re experiencing from on index of emojis, and you write a journal entry about what’s going on. It can be very helpful to track times when you feel depressed to see if there is a common occurrence sparking your episodes.

3. Relax with a close confidant or furry friend.

Cuddling with a pet stimulates the brain’s production of Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone” in both of you and scientifically makes you happier. Similarly, chatting with a close friend or family member can have the same effects, altering your brain’s chemistry and reinstalling a feeling of contentment that combats the feeling of depression.

4. Get up and go!

Physical activity helps to stimulate the brain and releases endorphins, or “feel-good” chemicals, in your brain. Plus, finishing those push-ups will make you feel accomplished and healthy! Tell yourself you’re going to do 50 crunches before you go to bed and then follow through.

5. Set goals.

Motivation is one of the hardest issues to deal with when you feel depressed, but setting goals can help prompt action. Your first goal is getting out of bed. Good job! Alright, now you just have to get dressed. Look at you go! Breaking your steps down and focusing on one small goal at a time is a super-effective way to get yourself going.