Depression: It affects us all.

So according to Wikipedia the definition of depression is, "A state of low mood and aversion to activity."  I laughed at first when I saw this because it is the definition of half the people I know.  I guess that would make sense though because depression is a natural occurrence that everyone faces at some point in their life.  For some it may be an ongoing battle while for others it is something that they only work through once or twice in their life.  It also ranges in severity.  For some people it may be a small feeling of being down or "blue" while for others it may be a deep depression that consumes their life.  Since I understand that depression is nothing to be ashamed of and is a part of many people's lives, I am very comfortable sharing with you girls that this is something I battle every year.  I know that during the late fall and winter months I often feel depressed.  This is a combination of a few things.  The change in weather (less sunshine) and the colder time of year affects my mood.  I also had a few tragedies happen in my life during this time of year, so it adds to the already existing "winter syndrome."  I know what it is like to fight the feelings of depression.  Most of the time the years go by and I just feel a little down, but some years have been worse and caused me to have to fight back going into a deeper depression.  I also have talked with many of you and you have admitted that you feel depressed.  The changes of being a young mom for the first are overwhelming and create the perfect environment for depression to set in.  This is nothing to be ashamed of!!!!  Please understand that this is common for so many young moms (old moms too), with women hormone levels can really add to depression and mood swings.  Especially the hormone changes after having a baby.  If you are feeling depressed at times I want you to know you are certainly not alone.  Many of us have been there.  I am always here to talk if you need it and many other supports are around for you too.  Seek someone out to talk to and don't feel embarrassed or ashamed.  It takes a stronger person to accept help than to deny the need for it!