Most of us go through ups and downs. A rough day at work, an argument with someone you love, or even a stretch of gray weather can leave you feeling low. But sometimes, what you’re experiencing isn’t just a passing mood. If the heaviness lingers and begins to affect daily life, it could be a sign of depression.
Knowing the difference between a “bad week” and clinical depression matters, because the support you need will look different. Here are some signs that it may be time to pay closer attention.
1. Your Sadness Doesn’t Lift
Everyone feels sad from time to time. But with depression, sadness or emptiness doesn’t ease up after a few days. Instead, it can last for weeks or months, even if there isn’t a clear reason for it.
2. You’ve Lost Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
One of the hallmarks of depression is called anhedonia—a loss of pleasure. If hobbies, activities, or even spending time with friends feel flat or exhausting, it’s a sign something deeper may be going on.
3. Energy Feels Hard to Find
Depression isn’t just emotional—it shows up in your body too. People often describe fatigue, sluggishness, or even small tasks feeling overwhelming. Getting out of bed, showering, or making a meal might feel like climbing a mountain.
4. Sleep and Appetite Have Changed
Maybe you’re sleeping far more than usual—or you can’t sleep at all. Maybe food has lost its appeal, or you’re eating more to try and soothe the emptiness. Big shifts in sleep or appetite are common with depression.
5. Concentration Is Harder
Do you find yourself rereading the same page in a book, zoning out in conversations, or struggling to finish tasks at work? Depression can cloud focus and make decision-making difficult.
6. You Feel Worthless or Guilty
When you’re stuck in depression, your inner voice often turns harsh. Thoughts like “I’m a burden,” or “I can’t do anything right” may play on repeat. These aren’t true reflections of your worth, but they are common symptoms of depression.
7. Daily Life Feels Like “Just Getting By”
If you’re finding yourself surviving instead of living—going through the motions without joy, excitement, or motivation—that’s a sign your mental health needs care.
When to Reach Out for Help
If these signs sound familiar, know that you’re not alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns, and effective therapy is available. Counseling provides a space to untangle your thoughts, build coping strategies, and lighten the weight you’ve been carrying.
If you’re ready to take the next step, our Depression Therapy page explains how we can help you start feeling like yourself again.
About the Author
Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps people move from feeling overwhelmed to connected by offering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships. Along with her team of licensed therapists, she provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals and couples throughout Pennsylvania.
FAQ: Signs of Depression
How do I know if it’s depression or just stress?
Stress usually has an identifiable cause—like work deadlines or family challenges—and eases when the situation changes. Depression often lingers even when external pressures are gone.
Can depression go away on its own?
Sometimes symptoms lift with time, but many people find they continue for months without help. Counseling speeds healing and helps prevent symptoms from worsening.
Do I have to feel sad to be depressed?
Not always. Some people experience irritability, numbness, or lack of motivation instead of deep sadness.
About the Author: Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder of Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, PA. With over 20 years of counseling experience, she specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, and Christian counseling. Alongside her team of licensed therapists, she helps clients navigate depression, grief, trauma, Christian counseling, and addictions with compassion and expertise.