Mindset

What if Depression Had a Color: Color Association

We associate the color red with anger and agony, the color yellow with warmth and happiness. But what if we had to associate depression with?

You surely wouldn’t associate it with the color green, it seems too positive to be true. Nor would you associate it with white, it’s too mild for the darkness it possesses.

“Feeling blue” covers most of the sad part and a bit of nausea.

However, depression is darker than blue but isn’t as dark as black. It’s trying to bring out the light in the dark black.

 

The Color Gray

Normally, words such as Independence, Discipline, Old, Boring and Intelligent associates with color gray. But in recent research, depression has been more and more associated with gray than ever before.

We associate gray with a gloomy weather while in business its associated with diligence and class. In Television gray normally means the past while in psychology its an emotionless and motionless state. And in interior designing it gives the vibe of sophistication.

 

Depression and Mental Health

Depression has become a common mental health issue. According to World health Organization, 300 million people have depression around the world.  And this number rises up everyday.

It is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It leads to detachment from the things that one previously found interesting or happy.

There are several events and circumstances that might drive one to this condition. Nevertheless, they can either be avoided or dealt with.

The issues that increase the possibilities of depression:

  • A family history of mental health issues.
  • Traumatic Events
  • Abusive Relationship or Abused Childhood
  • Prolonged Conflicts
  • Certain Medications
  • Substance Abuse

There are medication to fight these issues and doctors and psychiatrists who are specialize on such mental conditions.

Generally, depression in people goes unnoticed. This unseen pain can later develop into a major deadlier disease- Bipolar Disorder.

 

Why Do People Associate Depression with Color Gray?

The metaphorical description to feelings and emotions have long been done with the use of colors.

Color gray is a neutral color; a mixture of black and white. Similarly, depression is dark but is covered by the veil of smile and happiness.

What we fail to understand is that the veil is only a cover over the pain and sadness. Yet the very mask is the one that makes black look gray and neutral.

In a study, it was found that people with anxiety and depression were more likely to identify as color gray opposed to happier people that chose yellow.

As per researchers, color gray implies a dull state of mind, gloom, misery and monotony and a quality of disinterest.

Likewise, a cycle of depression consists of very similar characterization. Thus, the association.

 

Getting out of the Gray Zone

If depression was a trap and then the area inside the cells could be called the gray zone . The feeling of not being able to get out of the prison is heartbreaking.

In addition the jail cells are made on the foundation of quicksand. The more time that you spend inside the confinement, the more you fall deeper into it.

Naturally, from where you stand, everything outside the cell looks gray as well.

Having said that, it is not the ultimatum. There are ways around it. Like getting out of the quicksand, you need to carry as less pain as possible to be light. Take deep breaths and move forward slowly but deliberately.

When you panic, don’t ask someone else to pull you out because they might as well pull you apart, they have no idea of what you’re stuck in. Instead, trust yourself, and try to take a different look at things.

Once you break the locks of your own insecurities, you see the vibrant colors that peeps into your soul.

As ironic as it sounds, the past that you normally remember in color gray is the present when you’re depressed. But the possibility of painting your future in a radiant colors if endless.

Try wearing the glasses that fool your brain into seeing more colors in life. Depression might be the reason people end their lives, but it shouldn’t be.

Lastly, for someone who is looking at the struggles from the outside the suggestion is to offer a vision. Illuminate them a different perspective at life and share your colorful sight with someone that needs it.

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