When we hear the word "spleen", we immediately recall the immortal lines from "Eugene Onegin", in which spleen is ranked as ailments and is compared to the blues. Along with these conditions, it is worth remembering also depression. Actually, spleen and blues are synonyms for depression.
Spleen, blues and depression: common and differences
The word "spleen" in English has two meanings: blues and spleen. This is due to the fact that it was this body that was accused of creating a bad mood.
Blues denotes boredom (in its most extreme manifestations of hopelessness and longing) and a mood that is overshadowed by the general state of a person.
As far as depression is concerned, it fits all of these definitions. It has three characteristics:
- A bleak mood and, in general, a loss of the ability to experience a state of joy and happiness.
- Negativism and pessimism, which lead to the fact that a person judges everything only in a negative way and does not see anything positive in what is happening.
- Inhibition, unwillingness to move in principle.
That is, they are synonymous concepts. They are distinguished only by the fact that now we often use the word depression. The word "spleen" has practically disappeared from use and is considered obsolete.
And the word "blues" is used more often in colloquial speech. In addition, when a person says that he is depressed, he rarely implies that he is depressed. More often than not, this word denotes only a temporary change in mood.
Why does spleen appear?
The causes of this ailment are exactly the same as those of depression. A person comes to the conclusion that his life is worthless. It is monotonous and boring, and nothing good can happen anymore.
Usually, in this state, a person prefers to be alone. This only makes his condition worse. Psychologists advise when signs of a stable bad mood appear and they continue for a long time, you need to pull yourself out of loneliness.
Unfortunately, in most cases, a person cannot overcome himself. It slips into negative. His last strength takes away the constant thoughts of hopelessness.
What helps to get rid of spleen?
If you do not take any action in the initial stages, then later it may be too late. As a saving measure, they usually offer exactly what brings a person out of loneliness into society.
You can, for example, go on a trip. And preferably not alone. Although during the trip, the circle of acquaintances is necessarily expanding. Travel is also good because the situation changes, a person sees new places, he has new interests. All this helps to get rid of spleen.
New relationships, falling in love can also become a way to get out of a state of depressed mood. Although it is quite possible that they can again lead to a state of sadness and immeasurable melancholy due to parting.