The World Health Organization estimates the number of people living with depression globally at 300 million. Describing depression is a complex task, as different people exhibit different symptoms. However, it’s been often described as living in a black hole. Unlike other illnesses, the symptoms of depression are often silent. That can make depression seem less threatening, but this is far from the truth. Depression can derail your whole life and leave you uncertain of yourself and your loved ones. If you're worried that a loved one may be struggling, keep reading to find out more about the warning signs of this terrible illness.

What is Depression?

Depression is a debilitating mood disorder that can suck the life out of the most vibrant of persons. It changes how one feels, thinks and functions in their day to day life. The causes can vary from life stressors to genetic vulnerabilities as well as ingestion of certain medications, alcohol, and drugs. Spotting the symptoms is the first step towards getting yourself, or your loved one the help they need.

Here are the key signs of depression to look out for:

1. Depressed Mood

It’s normal to feel down occasionally, especially following a stressful or sad life event like a death or a chronic illness. However, when these feelings go on for extended periods of time or appear without an obvious trigger, they might be indicative of something else. Long episodes of sadness are likelier to be possible signs of depression than to be normal blues.

2. Loss of Interest in Life

People take joy in everyday activities. This could be work or socializing or recreational activities. Depression makes people enjoy such activities less. Say someone’s favorite activity was swimming, and they suddenly do not want to go anywhere near water, or even if they do, they do not seem to derive any joy from it.

3. Feelings of Hopelessness

During hard times, people often try to find a way out or at least hope that their situation will improve. This is not the case for people going through depression. Depressed people have an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that their situation cannot improve under any circumstances. These might be accompanied by feelings of worthlessness and guilt. You can also get a sense of low self-esteem and poor self-image.

4. Sleep Changes

Changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of depression. This can be exhibited through insomnia or disturbed sleep or sleeping too much and not wanting to get out of bed.

5. Difficulty in Concentrating

Another common symptom is having difficulties concentrating, making decisions and even remembering things. The person may struggle with simple things like watching TV or completing a thought in a conversation. They may also find it difficult to make easy decisions that do not require considerable thought.

6. Irritability

Watch out for signs of irritability, restlessness, agitation and even violence, especially when it’s atypical of the person.

7. Lethargy Often Comes Up When Describing Depression

We all have our occasional slow days where we have very low energy levels. However, people suffering from depression are lethargic for weeks on end. This makes routines tasks harder to accomplish. As a result, schoolwork or their performance at work starts to nosedive.

8. Changes in Appetite

Appetite might go to extremes. They may eat too much or lose their appetite entirely. Consequently, a person may rapidly add or lose weight.

9. Aches and Pains

Depression can manifest itself physically as well. Some physical symptoms of depression include aches and pains, including headaches, muscle tension as well as digestive problems.

10. Verbalizing Depression
At times, someone with depression will constantly allude to being depressed. If not, they might express feelings of being fed up or become strangely preoccupied with death and suicide.

What Comes Next

Depression is not something one can just snap out off. Actually, it can lead to a bigger problem if left untreated. In fact, 60% of people who commit suicide have some indications of having suffered from a mood disorder. Depression, being one of them. The good news is that depression is treatable.

Treatment for Depression

Usually there are underlying factors that cause depression. As such, the best treatments are a combination of several treatments. To treat the condition, your loved one will require support, psychotherapy and drug treatment.

Psychotherapy

This is also known as talking therapy and includes among other things, cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy is usually enough for mild depression. Severe depression, however, needs medication as well. This therapy can help a patient become aware of the stressors in their life and find ways to lead a happier and healthier lifestyle. By finding a good psychologist and strictly adhering to a treatment plan, most patients get good outcomes from their treatment. But how do you find the right psychologist? Find out more on that here.

Medication

Doctors use antidepressants for moderate to severe depression. These are not prescribed to children and are only prescribed to teenagers after a thorough case-by-case evaluation. The different classes of antidepressant drugs act on different neurotransmitters and should be taken as per doctors’ orders to avoid relapse. Any concerns, side effects and intent to cease taking the drugs should be duly discussed with one's doctor.

Support

The support aspect of treatment includes involving a patient’s support system. This can go a long way to help the patient function and keep up with their treatment plan.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy is used in patients with severe depression cases that do not respond to drug treatment. This therapy is particularly effective in treating psychotic depression.

Keeping Depression at Bay

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But can depression be prevented? From its causes and prevention, depression is shrouded in mystery. So much so that even experts do not have a definitive answer as to whether its preventable or not. Most of the predisposing factors are out of your control; these include genes, chemicals in your brain, your childhood experiences and your environment. One thing that comes up when describing depression is elevated stress levels. However, you can control stress and how you manage life's challenges. Yoga, meditation and exercising can help. These are known to release feel-good hormones that can improve moods.

Laughter is also known to reduce stress hormones, release endorphins and lower depressive moods.

Are you out of ideas on how to get your loved one laughing? Read our blog for some ideas on how to find laughter in everyday life.

*If you are struggling with depression and need help- please reach out to a professional who can help walk with you through the journey. You are not alone!*

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SPECIAL ONE DAY SALE IN THE SHOP TODAY!

Today in the shop there is a special one day Spring sale going on! Items are selling out quickly and will not be restocked as each item is a one of a kind bespoke piece!

Happy Saturday and happy shopping friends!!

Click HERE to go directly to the shop! 

Leggings have a long history beginning with the skinny pants worn by men in Scotland in the 1400s.  Then, Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s brought the style to women. Today, leggings are more popular than they've ever been. But they sometimes get a bad rep for being sloppy. Read on for a guide on how to wear leggings that make you look trendy and classy. 

A Boss Babe Look for Your Workday

Say goodbye to uncomfortable suit pants! One of the best leggings outfit ideas is to pair a set of black leather leggings, heeled boots, and an ivory or beige dressy tank. Throw a sophisticated trench coat over top. The heels and coat go a long way to dress up the leggings. You can also add accessories like a scarf or accent necklace for more interest. It's chic, it's stylish and it's oh so comfortable.

Another boss babe look for the office is to pair your black leggings with a black blazer and your crisp work shirt. It has the same power and style as a full suit but is a whole lot more trendy and comfy.

If you want more of a business casual look, layer an over-sized t-shirt under the blazer. This hip look will take you from your 9 to 5 to your evening stroll to walk your dog.

Black Leggings for an Evening Out 

If you're wondering how to dress up leggings for an evening out, we've got you covered. Whenever you have an event and want to pass on the little black dress, you can pack a punch with a boy-meets girl ensemble that's sure to turn heads. Wear your skinny black leggings with a bra-style top. Throw on a checked blazer and you've got one hot outfit. Don't forget your heels or booties and a bright lipstick for the ultimate wow factor. The best thing about this outfit is that it gives you a long straight line in your silhouette. It's great for making you look and feel taller. We guarantee no one will be dressed the same. So if you're looking for an outfit that stands out among all the boring A-style dresses, rock those leggings.

Oversize Sweatshirt for Chilly Fall Days 

One of the best outfits to wear with leggings in the fall is an over-sized sweater. But if you don't want to look like you just rolled out of bed, stay away from the hoodies. Instead, choose a high-quality over-sized sweater in a textured fabric. Look for sweaters that look knit. The kind with a cowl is an excellent choice. Make sure the sweater goes down past your glutes and sits at your upper thigh. If your sweater isn't quite long enough, opt for an unbuttoned dress shirt from your boyfriend underneath.  Ankle boots in any color with your fave pair of leggings will make this outfit both comfy and classy.  Or if you want to slay, you can opt for your over the knee boots. It's an easy way to look glam and stay warm.

Denim Jacket Tied Around the Waist

Do you wonder what to wear with leggings that's casual but not grunge? Leggings are a great choice that lends well to street style fashion.  But it's a fine line between sloppy and casual, so be careful.   Pair your leggings with a loose tee. Tuck in the front of the tee into your leggings. To complete the look, wrap your denim jacket around your waist. Put on your fave Adidas kicks and a pair of sunglasses for a casual style that shows you've got fashion to a T. 

High-Waisted Style for Summer 

Another great legging outfit idea for the summer is a pair of high-waisted leggings. These products offer a great selection for your wardrobe. You don't need to put a lot of time into putting together this outfit. Just pair your high-waist leggings with a crop top to keep you cool this summer. You can wear this to the gym or to the boardwalk. Just change your sneakers for a pair of leather boots or heeled sandals. 

Leggings and a Sweater Dress

The best thing about leggings is that you can wear them all year long. They are one of the best transitional items that you can wear between seasons as well. Outfits to wear with leggings include sweater dresses. We love this look for weekends. Throw on a pair of solid leggings and a long tunic or casual sweater dress. Belt it at the waist with a skinny belt. We like to go bold with the belt color for a nice pop. Comfortable ankle boots complete the outfit. This outfit is perfect for brunch with your girlfriends, visiting your parents or grabbing coffee in between errands. 

How to Wear Leggings With a Printed Pattern 

Most of the legging outfit ideas on this article talk about black leggings. That's because they are the easiest to work with. You can dress them up or down. But that doesn't mean you can't wear bold leggings with printed patterns. Printed leggings are fun, playful and a way to show off your personality. But, you need to choose wisely. Sometimes a certain print will look great on the shelf but will stretch all wrong on your body. Depending on your body size, not all prints will suit you. So go ahead and experiment but be careful. Check how the print looks from all angles. And remember, if your leggings have a lot going on, pair it with a solid, neutral top. 

The End

There you have it! A bunch of ideas on how to wear leggings all year long. From the office to the gym and everything in between. Next, check out these 10 tips and tricks for long road trips. 

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Many people think that by doing something for themselves, they are selfish. When actually, it’s the opposite. Making time for yourself allows you to support other people in the best way. You will be no help to anyone if you have used all your energy on looking after other people. Self-care is the answer to stress, as it builds resilience enabling you to cope with challenges better.

Life Is Short

You never want to be looking back on your life with regret, so remember to be grateful for what you have and you can transform your life just by maintaining a positive outlook on it. Making time to take care of your body, take pride in your achievements, and value your contribution to the world around you as this will help you to be happy.

Self-fulfilment Make You Self-Awareness

Loving who you are and taking time to care for yourself is really important. To make yourself feel happy, you need to know what makes you feel comfortable and happy and what makes you feel sad and out of sorts.

You’ll Inspire Others

People often underestimate the influence they have on their friends, family members, and coworkers, but when you make a change in your life, everyone around you will notice. If you can’t make time for yourself, you can’t look after anyone else correctly. Your relationships are a reflection of the person you are, and those closest to you will recognize your capacity to love (or lack thereof). When you learn to take care of yourself, you will eventually attract others who can do the same.

So, What Does Doing Something For Yourself Look Like?

This will differ from person to person. Listen to that voice inside of you to find out what makes you feel content and what it is you want for yourself.

If you’ve been putting your family first all this time and not even thought about yourself then now is the time to work out what it is you want. What was it you wanted ten or twenty years ago? Has that changed or did you just put it to one side? Whatever it is is, it’s likely that it is going to be easier to accomplish now as over the last twenty years the development in technology has made most things far more accessible. You can now study to be a nurse online with an nnp program; you can learn a language on an app, you can show people your talents and start a business from making Youtube videos or blogging. There are so many opportunities. If you want to take up a sport or go to a class then chances are you can find out about one online, or perhaps you want to meet a significant other but never had the time to go out and do that, now you can get swiping from your phone to see if there’s anyone decent out there.

Don’t put yourself last any longer, make some time for you and do something worthwhile with it. You deserve it.

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Time to Start Planning 

Now that you have a basic travel check list it's time to put your plan into action. Once you have all of the above figured out you can then figure out the other details such as what exactly to pack in your bag or bags. 

Get out there and explore the world! Having a hard time choosing where to travel?

Check out the travel section on this blog to give you more ideas while you narrow down your list.

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Some days, you find yourself just sitting on the couch in front of the TV. The images are dancing in front of your eyes, but your mind doesn’t retain anything. You tell yourself that everything will be better after a good night sleep, but when you experience the same emptiness again, you can’t find a solution. You might even come across impossible decisions, such as choosing what to eat for dinner, because you don’t feel inspired by anything

A lot of people experience a natural slump toward the end of the cold season. You might feel sluggish after several months of comforting winter dishes, and gradually it might feel as if you had lost the ability to get excited about things. The routine is making everything dull. It’s time to react and find your inspiration back:

#1. Plan a spontaneous weekend getaway

When every day is the same, it can be difficult to break the dull cycle of the routine. But planning a change of landscape can be the solution you to break free. You don’t need to book a holiday far away. You need to inject a little bit of spontaneity back in your life. Get an RV Rental for the weekend, pack a small bag and enjoy the adventure. It doesn’t matter how far you travel. Let this disruption give you your life excitement back.

#2. Get journaling

Journaling and scrapbooking have become popular activities in a busy adult world. Indeed, managing a journal is not only highly relaxing, but it lets you experiment with finding your own voice and style. You can record the little things that matter to you, day after day. But, more importantly, the whole exercise taps into your creativity and encourages you to reconnect with your inner self.  

#3. Take a walk in nature

Now is the best time to go outside and engage with nature. The flowers are in bloom, the grass is growing again, and the trees are covered in delicate buds. As nature is awakening, you can let it heal your stress and emotional fatigue. Being in nature helps you to forget about everyday problems and deadlines; you can take a moment to contemplate a flower. It’s a peaceful process that brings you back to yourself. Not only is it grounding to spend time in nature, but the combination of the oxygen from the plants as well as your relaxed mindset also helps you to reveal your creativity.

#4. Surf on the April’s Fool wave

Last, but not least, April’s Fool was only a few days ago. It’s a day dedicated to laughing. And laughing, as it happens, is good for you! A laugh can help you to relieve tensions and stress. As your body begins to relax, it releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. As a result, you feel refreshed and energized. But, scientists have also discovered that laughing stimulates your brain, making your creative focus sharper. You’ve got better ideas when you laugh, regardless of whether you want to write a book or solve a problem at work.

When your inspiration is gone, you feel empty of interests and desires. Finding back the things that excite and inspire you is about breaking the routine and giving yourself the time and space to heal your mind.

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8. Break up the "Monotony"
This tip is especially useful if you are traveling alone but even with a family it can be practical. When I traveled back and forth from the lower south to Virginia Beach for graduate school it was a good 10 hour drive. Several years later as I moved to work and live in Washington DC it was a good 12 hours from my home. These long car trips by myself could have been very tiring but as I look back now I see them as sweet times to think, process, pray, and consider upcoming decisions. 

In addition to this I found this a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family (on speaker phone for those who live in a state that is "hands free" *smiles*). One thing I did to help pass the time was to "break up" the monotony. For example for an hour I might chat on the phone and catch up with a dear friend and then the next hour spend time just thinking and praying and then the next hour listen to music and in another hour I would call another friend. After this I would sometimes listen to an hour of a book on tape or spend more time praying or listening to music. By constantly breaking the hours up in the car the time went by much more quickly.

It can also be really fun to pick up a book on audio that you & the person you are traveling with want to listen to and haven't read. Save it for a trip and listen to it together. It creates a fun memory and something to definitely chat about. Or grab a question book and ask each other questions. Or even better... just enjoy the company of that person.

This same concept can be great with kiddos also! A great idea that my mama had when we were younger was that she would collect "special and surprise" items for several months prior to a road trip and keep them in a secret bag. To us kiddos it was like she became Mary Poppins on the trip! I am not kidding y'all, she would pull out (slowly!) over the hours different surprises. They were all wonderful and nothing cost a lot of money but it was always fun to see what was coming out of mama's "Mary Poppins bag"! [hahaha! And when we headed out to California for treatment my sweet mama surprised me with a book to keep me entertained! So if you are thinking that this idea won't work with older kiddos you are wrong! I loved it! hahaha!]
9. Eye Covers are Your Friend 
I mentioned this in a post about tips for sleeping better, but eye covers can truly be your friend in the car. I love me some eye covers. I tried a ton before I found one that I loved. I tried some that were extremely cheap and some that were more expensive before I found my favorite one. If you don't have one I would definitely recommend trying one. This can truly help you get some much needed rest on a long car trip! [This is my current favorite one HERE.]