According to WHO, a person may be suffering from depression when they are sad for 2 or more consecutive weeks and that the sadness interferes with their daily life. Depending on the person, they may have different symptoms. A few of the more common symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Sadness, emptyness, and hopelessness

• Insomnia

• Changes in body weight and appetite

• Frustration

• Feeling worthless or guilty all the time

• Social withdrawl

• Feeling tired and a lack of energy

• Unable to concentrate, remember, and make decisions

• Suicidal thoughts

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There are several possible causes for depression. Some of the most common are stress, traumatic life events like sudden loss, lonliness, and illnesses.

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Depression: How to fight it?

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There are many ways to fight depression, for most of which medication may not be necessary.

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1. Do the exact opposite of what your depressed mind tells you to

In my depressed state, everything my mind told me to do is to self-sabotage. Ranging from intentionally making a bad impression on someone I know I would want to know better, to purposefully distancing myself from others, both emotionally and physically. This in turn becomes a vicious cycle, in which it becomes harder and harder to break free.​​​​

2. Exercise

This method may not be for everyone, but I find it effective for me sometimes. Especially during winter, and more so when exercising with those I care about. By exercising, the level of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain increses, which in turn makes a person happier.

3. Have a routine

Having a routine could act as an anchor to life. Whether it be eating at a certain restaurant in a certain day of the week, or going out for a walk during a certain time of day, a routine could certainly make a difference.

4. Set reachable goals, have a purpose

The Dark Souls trilogy is a series of video games I like very much. It talks about the protagonist of the story having a purpose, whether it be ringing the bell or slaying the former lords. In the desolate landscape, which looks a lot like how the world looks when I'm in one of my depressive episodes, to be without a purpose, the being hollows. The process of hollowing in the game is a metaphor to the act of giving up in real life. I'll be moving on with a quote I like very much in the game "Don't you dare go hollow."

5. Step out of your comfort zone and find a hobby

Find something new to do that makes you happy. For me, it's drawing. I recently started drawing and found catharsis in the sound of pencil scraping against paper, and the sound of eraser debris falling on surfaces. For you, it may be watching a movie, reading a book, heck, even climb a mountain!

6. Music

If there be magic in real life, it would be music. It is international, and speaks through people even without the need to understand the lyrics. It relaxes the mind after a long day, and is also capable of relieving pain. This is also one of the reasons why music is being used as a therepy for people suffering from dementia and alzheimer's.

7. Talk about it

This, again, may not be for everyone, but if you feel comfortable about it, talk with a trusted friend or family member about your condition. You can tell them the reasons why you're feeling down, and seek advice from a different point of view. Sometimes, it can be very painful to keep all your troubles to yourselves. A comforting hug or reassuring words could really bring a person back from the brinks of despair.

8. Eat well

While fighting mental issues, it is paramount to also take care of your physical health. Eating too little or too much is not good for your health, both physically and mentally. I, myself, is guilty of this. During my depressive episodes, I tend to eat too little, or not at all. This, too, forms a vicious cycle, in which both my physical health and mental health declines, which is not ideal.

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Life is hard, and it has gotten me down.

But I will fight.

I will fight for myself.

I will fight for my happiness.

I will fight for a future worth fighting for.

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If you resonates with me, hold on. Don't give up, you are not alone.