How to Tell the Difference Between the Blues and Depression
By Denise Trio |
I know you’ve heard it a million times, but I would be remiss if I didn’t say that 2020 was an unprecedented year. You pivoted. You bought toilet paper. You searched for meat and Lysol wipes. You bought masks, and then started to coordinate your masks with your outfits. You are all exhausted!
All joking aside, whether you realize it or not, in 2020, you experienced trauma. You experienced loss. Life as you knew it for the majority of your life came to a grinding halt by an invisible enemy. Some of you lost loved ones. Some of you took on more responsibility in your job. Some others lost your jobs. All of us had our lives radically changed.
Whether you admit it or not, the trauma from last year has affected your brain. Here’s a few tips for how to tell the difference between the blues and depression. (Disclaimer: I am not a licensed mental health counselor. I have a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling, have gone through counseling myself, have loved ones who have experienced depression, and have read a ton of resources on the topic.)
Signs of the blues:
Signs of depression:
While the blues is a temporary feeling, depression can be an ongoing illness that can be diagnosed and treated by a professional. It is ok to feel the pain and process the grief caused by the pandemic or any other hardship you might be experiencing. However, neither one of these states of mind is a place you want to stay for very long. Seek professional help for either one of them. We all ought to talk to a counselor or licensed therapist to work through the trauma of 2020!
I will also say that loneliness is another trigger to feeling blue or depressed. We were made to be with other people! Spending those weeks and months in isolation was very damaging. Even as states reopen, paranoia, fear and anxiety linger. Reach out to someone with a phone call or video chat, meet up with a friend for a walk, or find a restaurant that serves fresh food outdoors and enjoy a healthy meal together. Even when you don’t feel up to it, being in someone else’s presence can help to improve your mood.
If you are feeling blue or depressed, don’t be ashamed. We’ve all been there in some way at some point in our lives. It’s normal. There is no shame.
Just, don’t stay there. Life is a gift. Let’s make 2021 wonderful!
PS – Read my other blog post for tips on how to manage your mental health, with resources.
