Depression isn’t just about feeling sad. It’s about feeling stuck—like you’re trapped in your own head, and no matter what you do, you can’t seem to pull yourself out. Your thoughts spiral, consuming all your energy and focus, making it hard to see beyond the darkness. It’s isolating and exhausting, robbing you of the life you want to live.

If any of this sounds familiar, you may be struggling with depression. And let me tell you—depression doesn’t just come from one place. It’s shaped by our early life experiences, our beliefs, how we cope with challenges, and how we view our current situation. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck. There are ways to get through this.

What Is Depression?

Depression is often called the “common cold” of emotional health, and for a good reason—it can affect anyone, at any time. No one is exempt. We all go through difficult times that can leave us feeling down, sad, or overwhelmed. But sometimes, those feelings are more than just temporary. Depression doesn’t just fade away; it digs in and makes everyday life feel unbearable. And while it’s tough to face, recognizing these feelings is the first step toward understanding what’s going on.

Do I Have Depression?

Here are some of the most common signs of depression. If any of these sound like you, it might be time to take a closer look:

Constant fatigue or feeling tired all the time
Feeling hopeless, angry, or easily upset
Lacking energy or motivation to do anything
Physical aches and pains with no clear cause
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Guilt or self-blame that feels overwhelming
Sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep
Changes in appetite or weight—either losing or gaining
More arguments in relationships or conflicts at work
Feeling numb or like nothing excites you anymore
Struggling to focus or make decisions
Turning to alcohol, drugs, or spending money as a way to cope
Feeling like nothing in life matters or everything is “blah”

Depression can sneak up on you, sometimes without any obvious cause. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to recognize that something’s off balance in your life. Even mild depression can sap your energy and joy, making it feel like you’re just going through the motions.

What Causes Depression?

Depression doesn’t have one single cause. It’s a mix of things—our biology, life events, how we were raised, and how we handle stress. Some people experience depression after major life changes like the birth of a child (postpartum depression) or following an injury or illness. For others, unresolved childhood traumas or long-term conflicts can weigh heavily on their mental health.

Sigmund Freud once said, “Depression is anger turned inward.” And while that’s just one piece of the puzzle, it rings true for many people. Depression often stems from emotions we’ve tried to bury—frustration, anger, sadness. If you’re constantly pushing your feelings aside, it’s only a matter of time before they show up in your body or mind as depression.

Breaking the Cycle of Depression

The longer we avoid facing our problems, the worse they get. Depression doesn’t go away just because we keep ourselves busy or pretend it’s not there. If you’re stuck in this cycle, it’s time to stop and ask yourself, “What am I really feeling frustrated or sad about?”

Therapy is one of the most effective ways to work through depression. Talking to someone who understands can help you uncover the root of your feelings and learn healthier ways to cope. To heal, you have to feel—avoiding your emotions won’t make them disappear.

Types of Depression

Depression can take on many forms. For some, it’s triggered by life changes or stressful events. For others, it might be biological or inherited, meaning medication can play an important role in their recovery. Postpartum depression, for example, is common after childbirth due to the physical and hormonal changes that happen during that time. But no matter the cause, reaching out for help is crucial.

When to Seek Help

You don’t have to “snap out of it” on your own. Seeking therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Depression can affect anyone at any time, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. The strongest people are the ones who admit they’re struggling and seek support.

There are many different types of antidepressant medications available today, and they’re designed to meet your unique needs. But here’s the thing: not everyone needs medication. With the right therapy, many people find they can overcome depression without it. Even mild depression can lead to long-term problems if left unchecked, so it’s essential to get the help you need—even if things don’t seem “that bad.”

Moving Forward

Depression can be life-threatening if ignored, but it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, grow, and understand what’s really going on beneath the surface. Strong people have problems, too—it’s how they handle them that makes the difference. Dysfunctional people deny their problems, ignore their feelings, and run from the truth. But you don’t have to live like that. Facing your depression head-on is the first step toward healing.

If you’re ready to start feeling better, I’m here to help. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your emotions, understand what’s driving them, and begin to make changes. Whether you need support in working through difficult life changes, exploring past traumas, or just getting back to feeling like yourself, therapy can be a powerful tool in your recovery.

Depression may be the “common cold” of emotional health, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it alone. Reach out today to start your journey toward healing.