Depression/Anxiety

Feeling Blue… or Beyond Blue? Could Be Depression

Remember: Unhappiness about specific events is part of being human. Bad news, bad grades, bad days, and breakups can make you feel anxious, lonely, or down in the dumps. If you can power through until your spirits lift, you’ll make it back to feeling like yourself! But sadness or “blues” that last too long could be depression.

If five or more of the following are true for you, you may be suffering from depression or anxiety:

  • Your sleeping patterns are out of whack.drawing of two suns - one blue, one orange
  • You’re eating all the time or you have no appetite at all.
  • Things that used to make you happy just don’t anymore.
  • You often feel moody, empty, or hopeless. You can’t help it!
  • You constantly worry that something awful could happen to you or to people you love at any moment.
  • You’re always tired and don’t feel like doing much of anything.
  • You’ve stopped tending to your hygiene and health. Who cares anyway?
  • You totally dread being in social situations or dealing with people.
  • Something always hurts, like your head or your stomach, but even with medicine it doesn’t go away.
  • You feel like you can’t go on and think about hurting yourself or others. If this is true for you, there is somebody out there for you to talk to. Call the Utah Suicide & Crisis Hotline.

The strongest people know when to ask for help.

Explore your depression treatment options

Tips for getting rid of the “blues”:

  • Get regular exercise—it’s scientifically proven to lift the spirits.
  • Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.
  • Participate in a fun activity to engage you with the outside world.
  • Mother Nature always helps! Get some fresh air in the great outdoors.
  • Do a good deed for someone in need. This will make you feel good about yourself and get your mind off your own problems.
  • Keep a journal and write down all the good stuff to help you focus on the positive.
  • Know when to get help.