So. While looking for references to the term “Gensym Scribe” in want to do a post on Asher, I was referred back to one of the pages from the “Dawning’s Delights” lore book. Specifically the page “A Cautionary Tale”. In the book Ikora discusses the Dawning; and specifically regarding Eris Morn during the event. And about how she seems depressed: [quote] "Eva Levante!" Ikora caught my wrist and leaned in to whisper. "I need to speak with you about Eris Morn." Ah, I will never forget that day. Way back then, I was very busy getting the Vanguard and the other Tower vendors excited about the Dawning. In turn, many reached out to me about anything related to the holiday. Still, I was surprised that the Warlock Vanguard would seek me out—and to talk about Eris Morn, of all people! I might have shuddered in spite of myself. "I saw you chatting with her as you were getting the decorations set up…" What I recalled was Eris talking at me about abysses while I was trying to hang lanterns, but I did not want to say that to Ikora. She continued, "I am worried about her. She seems quite depressed."[/quote] [spoiler]Now. I should note that it’s entirely possible she [b]doesn’t[/b] suffer with depression, but let’s just role with it for now[/spoiler] So. I wanted to discuss what might have started up her depression (to which many of you can probably guess). So. How does one diagnose depression; or alternatively know they have it. Here is the TL:DR from the NHS website [quote]The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. But as a general rule, if you're depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy.[/quote] Here is a larger list from the same source: [spoiler] The psychological symptoms of depression include: * continuous low mood or sadness * feeling hopeless and helpless * having low self-esteem  * feeling tearful * feeling guilt-ridden * feeling irritable and intolerant of others  * having no motivation or interest in things * finding it difficult to make decisions * not getting any enjoyment out of life * feeling anxious or worried  * having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself The physical symptoms of depression include: * moving or speaking more slowly than usual  * changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)  * constipation  * unexplained aches and pains * lack of energy * low sex drive * changes to your menstrual cycle * disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning The social symptoms of depression include: * not doing well at work * avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities * neglecting your hobbies and interests * having difficulties in your home and family life[/spoiler] [quote] There are many other symptoms of depression and you're unlikely to have all of those listed. [/quote] So with all of that said let’s analyse some of the above symptoms from the spoiler and see if Eris has a chance of being able to be diagnosed with Depression: (Any that aren’t listed I’ve not been able to find evidence for) [b] Psychological symptoms: [/b] •continuous low mood or sadness: Yes. She is described as being Morose by Ikora in the “A Cautionary Tale” lore page. She also constantly talks about suffering and loss which would definitely bring such a feeling about. •feeling irritable and intolerable of others: Yes. Read the grimoire card “Festival of the Lost: Underwatch” to see how she reacts to Cayde’s attempt at conversation during the event: [quote] Eri-i-i-is. Oh, Eri-i-i-is." "Do you have my ship for me, Cayde?" "No, but—" "Then go away." "No ‘Happy Festival of the Lost!’ for me, Eris?" "Happy—? Count what I’ve lost. My companions: Eriana, Sai, Omar, Vell, Tarlowe, Toland. My eyes. My Ghost. My ship. And who was it who lost my ship?" "Speaking of which—Kadi's confiscated a smuggled shipment, just in time for the Festival. A sweet treat. Well, a treat, at least. Some people even like it. First person I thought of was you. Since, well, I owe you." "Begone." "You'll like it." "I will not like it." "It’s perfect for you." "Don't come back until you have my ship."[/quote] [b] physical symptoms: [/b] •moving or speaking more slowly than usual: Now. Anyone who has spoken to Eris in D1 knows she speaks quite slowly. However we cannot directly say that this is a definite change to her after the events she’s been through. So we shall say yes for now due to not knowing how she was like before the events. [b] social symptoms: [/b] * avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities: Not necessarily the first part (mainly due to many of her friends being dead or her not having many) but the second part: look at the dawning grimoire card [quote] Pass me those lanterns, would you?” Eva said. “And that wrapping paper. There’s so much left to do.” “They drive their Sparrows on the edge of the abyss, not looking at that Darkness... laughing....” “Laughter can be better than food. We must make time to celebrate, even when we are surrounded by Darkness. Or we lose hope. And hope is important: it brings us together and keeps us marching through the freezing cold.” “So much pretending, Eva. I can’t pretend. Those days are gone.” “Do you think I spent a week coaxing Ikora into making the Dawning Crystal just to pretend? Who will save us from the Darkness? The despairing Guardian or the joyful one? Love and joy, Eris—that will save us. This is how I show my love.” “Then I wish you a happy Dawning, Eva.” “I wish that for all of us.” [/quote] She doesn’t seem very eager to participate at all. Even when she is confronted by Cayde during the Festival of the Lost, she seems very uneager to participate. Even handing us raisins instead of candy like the rest of he vendors. Like I said. All the Symptoms listed aren’t always present. As with Eris’s case; she only has about 4 symptoms. Which could also be linked to other possible diagnosis such as personality disorders. But I digress. [b] causes: [/b] So there are different types of causes. Sometimes linked together. The NHS website states possible causes are: * stressful events * Personality * Giving birth * Family history * Alcohol and drugs * Loneliness * Illness So. Has Eris had any events like these happen. Yes. Two in fact. [b] stressful events [/b] The great disaster and the hunt for Crota. Look at this extract from the grimoire card “Rise of Crota”: [quote] “I watched as Crota's soul rose from the abyss, his sword cracking the Moon's surface with every stroke, and countless Guardians, losing their light to his wrath.” [/quote] To say she’s seen enough death to last a lifetime is accurate. But then we have the hunt for Crota (and beyond): [quote] Count what I’ve lost. My companions: Eriana, Sai, Omar, Vell, Tarlowe, Toland. My eyes. My Ghost. My ship. [/quote] Yeah. She loses her ghost, her friends and her ship (personal attachment counts). [b] loneliness: [/b] Now we don’t exactly know how long she was in the hellmouth for. Probably a while. No friends. No ghost. No light. She had to survive. In the dark. Alone. This plus the death she’d witnessed is substantial cause for depression. ———————————————— But she trucks on. Which is what astounds me the most. And should definitely serve as something for everyone else to look to. Regardless of the darkness you stand in, there is light. (Which if you want a message, that’s it). Trying to diagnose guardians with mental illness is hard due to the fact we can only look at social or possible psychological causes and is why everything I just said should be taken with a grain of salt. (Except that message at the bottom. That’s important). Anyway. Opinions. I’ve wanted to do a post like this for a while as psychology is a field I love and study. So yeah. Tell me if you agree. And if you don’t (civilly) tell me why and how I can improve my theory/diagnosis. Have a lovely day guardians.