Feeling a Little Blue?: A Depression Checklist

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24 May 2024

WRITTEN BY:

Thanong A

Let's face it, life can throw curveballs faster than you can say "work-life balance." Between social media scrolling, endless to-do lists, and that nagging feeling you forgot to reply to your BFF birthday messages (sorry, fella!), it's no wonder we all experience a little downer now and then. But how do you know when those blues might be something more?

Hold on, before you self-diagnose with a degree from Dr. Google, here's a checklist to see if your inner sunshine needs a little recharge. (Remember, this is not a substitute for professional help. If you're seriously concerned, reach out to a therapist or doctor!)

The Social Media Spiral

● You wake up, grab your phone, and instantly feel inadequate after seeing your friend's perfectly curated vacation pics.
● You spend more time crafting the perfect Instagram story than actually enjoying the moment.
● Comparing your life to others online leaves you feeling like a deflated pool float. (Ugh, the struggle is real.)

The Work-Life Whirlwind

● Your to-do list seems to magically grow longer every day.
● You dream about spreadsheets and deadlines.
● You haven't had a real vacation in what feels like decades.

The Friend Frenzy FOMO

● You spend more time texting than actually hanging out with friends.
● You feel left out of social plans, even though you haven't had the energy to participate anyway.
● You haven't said anything more than "Hi" to your neighbor in weeks.

The Mental Health Maze

● You find yourself constantly exhausted, even after a good night's sleep.
● Little things suddenly seem like insurmountable mountains.
● You just don't seem to enjoy things you used to love.

The Netflix Abyss

● You start a show "just for one episode" and suddenly it's 3 am.
● Your "Continue Watching" list rivals the length of the Mississippi River.
● You can quote entire seasons of your favorite shows, but struggle to remember what you ate for breakfast. (Sickening, no?)

The Foodie Frenzy

● You spend more time scrolling through food delivery apps than actually cooking.
● Your social media is flooded with pictures of your perfectly plated meals.
● You feel guilty about that extra slice of pizza, even though it was delicious.

The Fitness Fallout

● Your gym membership collects dust while you binge reruns on the couch.
● You take the elevator for one floor because, well, stairs.
● The idea of a workout makes you want to crawl back under the covers.

The Sleepless Struggle

● You spend hours scrolling on your phone in bed, even though you know it keeps you awake.
● You wake up feeling more tired than when you went to sleep.
● Counting sheep has become less about sleep and more about competitive sheep herding in your dreams.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hey, if you checked off a few of these boxes, don't panic! It's normal to feel down sometimes. But if these feelings are persistent and affect your daily life, it's definitely worth talking to a professional. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not selfish; it's essential!

Here are some resources to help you navigate the world of mental health: