dealing with depression

Depression-noun- elongated feelings of sadness, hopelessness and agony. Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year. As many as one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. It is hard to deal with- the sleepless nights, the lack of motivation, and people telling you to “just be happy” or that “you don’t have a reason to be depressed”. But believe it or not, there is hope. The best ways of dealing with depression are talking it out, getting new hobbies, and trying to reframe your mental mindset. 
 
When you're sad, as much as you want to hide in your room and cry, you need to talk to someone. Someone trusted and understanding. Tell them whatever it is that is on your mind. It isn't easy, but it will make you feel a lot better. When you talk to someone, it has been proven that talking to someone trusted releases the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are both used to stabilize one’s mood. Finding new hobbies isn't easy either. You need to find the courage to get out of bed and do something. However, when your brain feels like it is being productive, it releases endorphins so you can perform your best whilst doing said activities. Finally, reframing your mental view- it's a tedious task. You need to try and “see the flowers”. There is always something good in life. Whether that's a cookie, a smile, or a joke. We need to let our high times carry our low ones. You're never alone, dear reader. Stay strong so you can tell the story of how you survived it.
 
Sophia