Depression
The feelings of low motivation and low energy that characterize depression make it especially hard to take care of yourself and pull yourself out of your slump. Fortunately, even small but consistent efforts toward recovery can yield a significant improvement in your symptoms faster than you might expect.
Key points
Depression is the most commonly occurring mood disorder, affecting between 5-10% of adults in the US
Depression saps your enjoyment in life and affects your ability to function effectively at work and at home, and impacts your relationships
Even small improvements to your lifestyle can yield noticeable improvements in your symptoms
Professional help is available, and highly effective in treating depression
Understanding depression: there’s hope, even when it doesn’t feel that way
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders in the U.S., affecting millions of adults each year. It can drain your energy, dull your sense of joy, and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It can also impact your work, relationships, and how you feel about yourself. But there’s good news—depression is treatable, and many people find relief through therapy, sometimes without needing medication.
What depression might look like
Depression doesn’t always show up as sadness. Sometimes, it feels more like emptiness, disconnection, or exhaustion. You might notice:
A low or flat mood that sticks around for two weeks or more
Struggling to start or finish everyday tasks
Feeling tired even when you’re well-rested
Changes in appetite or eating habits
Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
Pulling away from people or social events
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Recognize the symptoms of depression.
Why depression happens
Depression can emerge for many reasons, and it doesn’t always follow a predictable pattern. Life transitions like a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one can leave you feeling unmoored. Even big changes that are “supposed” to be positive—like starting a new career or becoming a parent—can stir up questions about your identity and worth. Without the right support, these transitions can trigger depressive symptoms.
Risk factors to keep in mind
Some factors make it more likely for someone to experience depression. These include:
A family history of depression or other mental health conditions
A lack of emotional support or community
Certain medical conditions or medications
Brain chemistry and hormonal imbalances
None of these mean you’re “broken.” They simply highlight the importance of getting compassionate, professional care.
Getting the right diagnosis and support
If you think you might be dealing with depression, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. There are different types of depression—like postpartum depression, seasonal depression, or depression that occurs alongside other mental health conditions—and each requires its own approach.
A provider may suggest lab work to rule out any medical contributors and will guide you toward the right type of care. Therapy is often a central part of treatment, and sometimes a therapist will collaborate with other professionals to make sure you get the comprehensive support you need.
When depression overlaps with other challenges
Depression often doesn’t come alone. It can be tangled up with anxiety, trauma, grief, or even unhealthy coping strategies like substance use. Therapy can help you untangle the patterns and stories that hold you back. With time, care, and the right tools, you can begin to feel more like yourself again, or perhaps meet a stronger, clearer version of yourself for the first time.
You don’t have to go through this alone
Depression can feel isolating, but it’s not a life sentence. You deserve support that meets you where you are, with warmth, curiosity, and real tools to help you move forward.
If you’re ready to feel more grounded and alive again, I’m here.
Reach out today to take the first step.
References and further reading
Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Wit, L., & Ebert, D. (2020). The effects of fifteen evidence-supported therapies for adult depression: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy Research.
Cuijpers, P., Oud, M., Karyotaki, E., Noma, H., Quero, S., Cipriani, A., Arroll, B., & Furukawa, T. (2021). Psychologic Treatment of Depression Compared With Pharmacotherapy and Combined Treatment in Primary Care: A Network Meta-Analysis. The Annals of Family Medicine.
Pablo, G., Solmi, M., Vaquerizo-Serrano, J., Raduà, J., Passina, A., Morsillo, P., Correll, C., Borgwardt, S., Galderisi, S., Bechdolf, A., Pfennig, A., Bauer, M., Kessing, L., Amelsvoort, T., Nieman, D., Domschke, K., Krebs, M., Sand, M., Vieta, E., McGuire, P., Arango, C., Shin, J., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Primary prevention of depression: An umbrella review of controlled interventions. Journal of affective disorders.