Depression affects more than just your mood—it can impact your thoughts, behavior, and physical well-being. Common signs include persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can make daily life challenging and are often misunderstood or overlooked.

While everyone experiences depression differently, it’s important to recognize when symptoms are severe or lasting. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and prevent worsening of the condition. Depression doesn’t go away on its own, and seeking help is crucial.

If you’re struggling with depression, Askyourself Psychotherapy, led by Nidhi Gupta, offers personalized support to help you understand and manage your symptoms in a safe, compassionate environment.

Table Of Content

1. Signs Of Depression
2. What Is Depression?
3. Types Of Depression
4. Diagnosis: How Is Depression Diagnosed?
5. Does Depression Look The Same In Everyone?
6. How Is Depression Treated?
7. How Can I Take Care Of Myself For Managing Depression?
8. How Can I Find Help For Depression?
9. How Can I Help A Loved One Who Is Depressed?
10. Depression And Suicide: Understanding The Connection
11. When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Depression?
12. Heal Depression With Askyourself Psychotherapy – Nidhi Gupta
13. FAQs
14. Conclusion

Signs Of Depression

Have you ever felt really sad for many days even when nothing bad happened?

Sometimes, it’s more than just a bad mood or a rainy-day feeling. It could be depression. Depression is like a heavy cloud that sits in your heart and doesn’t go away easily.

It can happen to anyone, kids, teens, adults, even someone who smiles a lot.

Knowing the signs can help us take care of ourselves and the people we love.

Here are some signs of depression you should know:

1. Feeling Sad Or Empty Most Of The Time

You feel like crying for no reason. Even fun things don’t feel fun anymore. You feel tired inside your heart.

2. Not Enjoying Things You Used To Love

You stop wanting to play your favorite games, go outside, or talk to friends. Nothing feels exciting.

3. Feeling Tired All The Time

No matter how long you sleep, your body still feels heavy and your mind foggy. It’s hard to get out of bed or do simple things like brushing your teeth.

4. Sleeping Too Much Or Too Little

You either can’t sleep at night or want to sleep all day. And even when you do sleep, you still feel tired.

5. Eating Less Or Eating Too Much

Some people stop feeling hungry. Others eat more than usual, especially snacks or sweets. Both can be signs that something’s wrong inside.

6. Trouble Focusing Or Remembering Things

It’s hard to read, listen in class, or even watch a show. Your mind feels like it’s stuck in fog.

7. Feeling Bad About Yourself

You might think, “I’m not good enough” or “I mess everything up.” These thoughts can come a lot with depression.

8. Body Aches And Pains Without A Reason

Sometimes your head, tummy, or back hurts and doctors can’t find anything wrong. These pains can come from your feelings.

9. Feeling Very Slow Or Too Restless

You might walk or talk slowly, like everything’s in slow motion. Or you might feel jumpy and can’t sit still.

10. Thinking About Death Or Not Wanting To Be Here

This is a very serious sign. If you or someone you know feels like this, please talk to a trusted adult, friend, or therapist right away. Help is always available. You are important.

It’s okay to feel this way. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human and you need care, just like someone with a fever needs rest and medicine.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad

It’s a deep, heavy feeling that doesn’t go away on its own

It can make you feel empty, hopeless or numb even when life seems okay

You may stop enjoying things you used to love

Even getting out of bed or brushing your teeth can feel like a big task

Your sleep may change, either too much or not enough

You might eat more than usual or not feel hungry at all

It becomes hard to think, focus or remember things

Sometimes you may feel guilty or like you’re not good enough

What you’re feeling isn’t a flaw, It’s not something you caused

It can happen to anyone, for many reasons or for no clear reason at all

The good news is depression is treatable

With therapy, support and care, people can and do feel better

Types Of Depression

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. It has different shapes and feelings, and each one touches people in its own way. Some types feel very heavy and strong, while others feel quiet and stay for a long time.

Some come after big life changes, and others appear without a clear reason. Understanding the types of depression helps us notice what’s really going on, whether in ourselves or someone we care about.

1. Major Depressive Disorder

Also known as clinical depression, this is one of the most common types. It brings deep sadness, tiredness, and a loss of interest in things that once felt good. A person may sleep too little or too much, feel empty, and find it hard to focus or eat normally.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

Sometimes called dysthymia, this is a longer-lasting form of depression. The feelings might not be as strong as major depression, but they stay for years. It feels like carrying a dull sadness every day, where nothing feels bright or exciting for a long time.

3. Bipolar Depression

This is part of bipolar disorder, where a person goes through highs and lows. During the low times, they may feel extremely sad, hopeless, or tired. These lows can feel very much like major depression, but they come with periods of very high energy or excitement called mania.

4. Postpartum Depression

This can happen after someone gives birth. It’s not just baby blues or feeling tired from sleepless nights. It brings deep sadness, fear, worry, or anger that makes it hard to care for the baby or for yourself. Many people feel confused by these feelings and don’t know why they’re happening.

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Also known as SAD, this usually shows up during certain seasons, often in the winter. Less sunlight can make people feel more tired, low, or withdrawn. When spring or summer returns, their mood often starts to lift again.

6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Known as PMDD, this is a strong form of PMS that happens before a person’s period. It can bring mood swings, sadness, and tiredness that feel more intense than usual. It can affect daily life, school, or work during those days.

These are just a few types, and each one deserves care and attention. Depression isn’t one-size-fits-all, and no type is more or less real than another. Recognizing the kind of depression someone is facing can help them feel understood and supported in the right way.

Diagnosis: How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Depression is not always easy to spot. A person might smile, go to school or work, and still feel completely lost inside. That’s why it’s important to understand how professionals figure out what someone is going through. Getting the right diagnosis helps someone receive the care and support they need.

1. Talking About How You Feel

The first step in diagnosing depression usually begins with a simple conversation. A doctor, therapist, or counselor will ask questions about how a person has been feeling. They may want to know if the sadness has lasted a while, if it’s hard to enjoy things, or if there have been changes in sleep, energy, or appetite. These questions help paint a clear picture of what’s happening inside.

2. Looking For Patterns And Symptoms

Depression isn’t diagnosed from one bad day. It’s about what’s been happening over time. Professionals look for patterns. If someone has been feeling low or disconnected most of the time for at least two weeks, it might be a sign of depression. They look at how it’s affecting everyday life things like school, work, relationships, or even small daily tasks.

3. Using Screening Tools Or Questionnaires

Sometimes, doctors use simple forms or quizzes to help understand what a person is feeling. These are called screening tools. They ask gentle, clear questions about mood, energy, focus, and thoughts. These tools are not tests with right or wrong answers; they are just there to help open up the conversation.

4. Checking For Physical Health Conditions

Before giving a diagnosis, doctors may also want to rule out other health problems. Sometimes, things like thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or other medical conditions can cause similar feelings. A basic check-up or blood test can help make sure the sadness isn’t linked to something else in the body.

5. Understanding Each Person’s Story

No two people feel depression the same way. That’s why professionals take time to listen carefully. They don’t just look at symptoms, they listen to the person’s story, life events, thoughts, and emotions. This helps them understand not just what the person is feeling but also why it might be happening.

A diagnosis is not a label, and it’s not something to be afraid of.Understanding what’s happening inside is the first step toward feeling better. Gentle listening and noticing the small signs can truly help someone begin to heal.

Does Depression Look The Same In Everyone?

Depression doesn’t wear one face.Depression doesn’t always show up as sadness. It can wear a mask of ‘I’m fine, It can show up in different ways, depending on someone’s age, stage of life, or what they’re going through. Some people get quiet. 

Others get angry. Some keep smiling while feeling empty inside. That’s why it’s so important to know how depression might look in different people.

1. In Young Children

Children may not have the words to say they feel sad, so depression can show up in different ways. They may become more quiet than usual, cling to parents, or have sudden mood swings. 

They might complain about tummy aches or headaches without a clear reason. Some children stop playing, don’t want to go to school, or act out more than usual. Their sadness often hides in their behavior.

2. In Older Children And Teenagers

Teens are going through many changes, so their depression can be hard to notice. They may seem more irritable than sad, spend more time alone, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. School performance may drop, and their sleep patterns can change. 

Some may become more sensitive to rejection or start taking more risks. It’s easy to mistake these signs for just “teen moodiness,” but they can mean something deeper.

3. In Young Adults

In college or early work life, depression can feel like disconnection. A young adult might feel lost, unmotivated, or unsure of their future. They may pull away from friends, struggle to keep up with responsibilities, or stop taking care of themselves. It’s also common for them to feel overwhelmed, compare themselves to others, or carry quiet guilt that they’re not doing enough.

4. In Middle-Aged Adults

Depression in midlife can look like constant stress, burnout, or a feeling of emptiness. Some adults may continue to work or care for a family while feeling emotionally flat. 

They might feel trapped in routines or worry about not having a purpose. Often, they don’t speak up about how they feel because they believe they have to “stay strong” for others.

5. In Older Adults

Depression in older people is often mistaken for aging. They may sleep more, eat less, or stop talking as much. Some might lose interest in hobbies or avoid social activities. 

Others feel lonely, especially after losing a partner or facing health problems. Because of stigma or fear, many older adults don’t talk about their emotions, even when they’re hurting.

6. In People With Cancer

For someone facing cancer, depression can mix with fear, pain, and stress. They might feel stuck, like nothing will ever get better even with help.

It’s not just about sadness but also deep exhaustion, lack of motivation, or not wanting to talk. Depression can affect how they heal, so emotional care matters just as much as medical care.

7. In Pregnant Women And New Mothers

Pregnancy and childbirth bring big changes, and depression can show up in unexpected ways. Some women feel numb instead of joyful. Others may cry often, feel anxious, or fear they’re not doing things right. 

After birth, postpartum depression can make it hard to bond with the baby or take care of basic needs. These feelings can be scary, but they are more common than people realize.

8. In Women

Hormones, life roles, and expectations can all affect how depression shows up in women. Some may feel emotionally overwhelmed, cry easily, or feel like they’re failing. Others push through quietly, hiding their pain behind a busy schedule. 

Women are often caregivers, and that pressure can lead to emotional burnout without anyone noticing.

9. In Men

Depression in men is often overlooked. Instead of showing sadness, they may seem angry, frustrated, or emotionally distant. Some withdraw completely, while others throw themselves into work to avoid their feelings. 

Men may also turn to alcohol or risky behavior to cope, rather than talking about what’s going on. Because of social expectations, many don’t ask for help, even when they’re deeply struggling.

No matter how it shows up, every form of depression deserves attention

How Is Depression Treated?

Treating depression isn’t about finding one magic solution. It’s about learning what works best for each person. For some, talking helps. For others, medicine brings relief. And often, it’s a mix of many small things that slowly begin to heal the heart and mind.

1. Talking It Out: Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is one of the most common and trusted ways to treat depression. It gives someone a safe space to share their feelings, thoughts, and worries with a trained therapist. 

The therapist doesn’t just listen, they gently guide the person through the tangled emotions, helping them understand why they feel the way they do and how to cope with it. Different types of therapy help in different ways. 

Some focus on changing negative thoughts. Others work on healing from past pain or building better relationships. What matters most is that the person feels heard and supported.

2. Support From Medicine: Antidepressants

When depression feels too heavy to carry, medicine can be a helpful tool. Antidepressants work by balancing certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions. 

They don’t make problems disappear, but they can make the sadness easier to manage. Doctors are careful when choosing the right medication, starting with small doses and checking how the person feels over time. 

Taking medicine for depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s a smart, caring choice just like using an inhaler for asthma or glasses for blurry vision.

3. Gentle Helpers: Complementary And Holistic Approaches

Sometimes, small things like a walk under the sun or a moment of silence can comfort a hurting heart. 

Complementary approaches like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or even journaling can support the mind in quiet but powerful ways. Eating healthy food, staying active, and getting good sleep also play a big role in lifting one’s mood. 

These methods don’t replace therapy or medicine, but they can be beautiful partners in the healing process. They remind the person that the body and mind are connected, and caring for one helps care for the other too.

With care, support, and patience, light finds its way back in

How Can I Take Care Of Myself For Managing Depression?

Taking care of yourself when you’re feeling low can be really hard. But small, kind steps can slowly bring comfort. These don’t have to be big or perfect, just gentle things that remind you to keep going. Here are a few ways to begin:

1. Create A Simple Daily Routine

Waking up, brushing your teeth, and eating meals at the same time every day can help your body and mind feel a little more steady. 

It gives your day shape, even when everything feels messy inside. You don’t need to follow a strict plan, just try to keep a soft rhythm that feels manageable.

2. Move Your Body, Even A Little

Moving can help lift some of the sadness sitting in your body. This doesn’t mean going to the gym or doing hard workouts. It can be a walk to the window, a few stretches on your bed, or dancing to one song. Gentle movement is like shaking off the fog in small bits.

3. Nourish Yourself With Food And Water

Sometimes depression makes eating feel like a chore. But your body still needs care. Try to eat small meals, even if you don’t feel hungry. Warm soups, fruits, or anything easy to prepare can help. Drinking enough water is important too. Your brain needs it to think clearly.

4. Be Kind To Yourself With Your Words

The way you speak to yourself matters. When your mind feels heavy, try whispering kind things back. “I’m doing my best.” “I showed up today.” These words may seem small, but they can slowly soften the harsh thoughts.

5. Write Down Your Feelings

Sometimes there’s too much going on in your heart. Writing it down in a notebook or even on your phone can help. You don’t have to be a good writer. Just getting the feelings out can make them feel a little lighter.

6. Rest Without Guilt

Rest isn’t laziness. Your body and brain need time to breathe and heal. Whether it’s sleep, quiet time, or just sitting still, let yourself rest when you feel worn out. You’re not wasting time — you’re giving your heart space to catch up.

7. Stay Connected To Someone Safe

Talk to a friend, a parent, a teacher, or anyone you trust. You don’t have to share everything — just saying “I’m having a rough day” can be enough. Connection is like a soft blanket. It reminds you that you matter.

Gentle things grow stronger with time

How Can I Find Help For Depression?

Finding help for depression can feel scary at first, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. But reaching out doesn’t have to be big or loud; it can be quiet, gentle, and one step at a time. Here’s how you can start:

1. Talk To Someone You Trust

The first step is often just talking. Share how you’re feeling with someone close to you, a parent, sibling, friend, teacher, or even a kind neighbor. You don’t have to explain everything. Even saying “I don’t feel okay” is enough. Being heard is healing.

2. See A Mental Health Professional

Doctors who understand the mind like therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists are trained to help with depression. They listen without judging and help you understand what’s happening inside. Therapy isn’t only for when things get really bad. It’s for learning how to feel better, little by little.

3. Visit Your Regular Doctor

If you’re not sure where to start, visiting your regular doctor is a great idea. They can ask a few questions, listen carefully, and help you find the right kind of mental health support. Sometimes depression is linked to things in the body too, and your doctor can check on that.

4. Reach Out To A Helpline Or Support Group

In many places, there are helplines where trained people are ready to talk anytime. If you’re not ready for face-to-face help, calling or texting can feel safer. Support groups are also helpful. They’re filled with people who understand what it feels like to struggle and who remind you that you’re not strange for feeling this way.

5. Look For Online Resources

There are websites, apps, and online communities that offer gentle support. Some provide calming exercises, journaling prompts, or quiet spaces where people share their experiences. But be sure you visit safe and trusted spaces. Your feelings deserve care, not confusion.

6. Let Someone Help You Take The First Step

If making that first call or appointment feels too hard, ask someone to help you do it. You don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes, just having someone sit beside you makes the big stuff feel smaller.

Sometimes it arrives in a soft voice or a caring hand and that’s more than enough to begin healing

How Can I Help A Loved One Who Is Depressed?

Watching someone you care about feel sad, tired, or lost can be really hard. You might want to fix it right away. But the truth is, helping someone with depression doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing up with love, patience, and softness. Here are some simple ways you can support them:

1. Just Be There

Sometimes your presence is the most powerful thing. Sit beside them. Listen when they want to talk. Be quiet when they don’t. You don’t need perfect words. Just being there tells them they’re not alone in how they feel.

2. Believe Their Feelings

Even if everything looks fine on the outside, their pain is real. Don’t say things like “just cheer up” or “others have it worse.” Instead, you can say, “I may not fully understand, but I’m here for you.” Believing someone is hurting, even when it’s invisible, builds trust and safety.

3. Check In Gently And Often

A simple “how are you feeling today” or “want to take a walk together” can open the door. They might say no and that’s okay. Keep showing up in small ways. Send a message, bring them a snack, or just remind them they’re loved.

4. Encourage Support But Don’t Push

You can suggest they talk to a therapist or see a doctor, but don’t force it. Ask kindly, “Would you feel okay talking to someone about this” Let them take their time. Your job is to guide gently, not rush them.

5. Be Patient With Their Process

Depression doesn’t go away overnight. There will be good days and heavy days. Try not to take it personally if they cancel plans or seem distant. It’s not about you. It’s about what they’re carrying inside.

6. Take Care Of Yourself Too

Supporting someone else can feel heavy. It’s okay to step back when you need to rest. Talk to someone you trust or do something that brings you comfort. Helping others is easier when you’re kind to yourself too.

Love doesn’t always fix sadness, but it makes the dark feel a little less lonely and that’s a gift no one forgets

Depression And Suicide: Understanding The Connection

When someone is struggling with depression, it can feel like they’re stuck in a tunnel with no way out. It’s not just sadness. It’s a deep, aching heaviness that doesn’t go away after a good night’s sleep or a comforting talk. And when that pain lasts too long, some people start wondering if life is even worth it.

Suicidal thoughts don’t mean someone is weak or attention-seeking. They usually mean they’re hurting more than they know how to explain. Sometimes they don’t want to die, they just want the pain to stop. They might feel tired of pretending. Tired of fighting. Tired of feeling invisible in a world that keeps moving without noticing how hard it is to keep breathing.

If someone ever trusts you enough to share those thoughts, pause everything and just be there. You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to say the perfect thing. Just listening with your whole heart can give them something they haven’t felt in a while, a sense that maybe, just maybe, they matter.

And if you’re someone who’s feeling this way right now please hear this. The way you’re feeling is valid, but it’s not permanent. You don’t have to go through this alone. There are people who will sit beside you, cry with you, and help you find your way back, slowly and gently.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider About Depression?

Some days feel heavy. That’s normal. But if the sadness sticks around for weeks or it feels like you’re carrying a weight that never lifts, it might be time to talk to someone who can help.

You don’t need to wait until everything falls apart. If you’re losing interest in things you used to enjoy or if getting out of bed feels too hard most days, that’s a sign. If you’re eating too little or too much, sleeping way too much or not at all, feeling tired all the time or like nothing matters, those are also signs.

Sometimes, people feel numb instead of sad. Or they smile on the outside and still feel broken inside. That counts too. Even if no one notices, what you’re feeling is real.

And if your thoughts ever turn to wondering if the world would be better without you or if you think about hurting yourself, that is a loud and urgent sign to get help. Right away. Please don’t wait.

A healthcare provider is not there to judge you. They’re trained to understand what you’re feeling and help you feel better, gently, step by step.

Heal Depression With Askyourself Psychotherapy – Nidhi Gupta

Sometimes, talking to someone who truly understands how the mind and emotions work can open up space for healing. Psychotherapy gives people the chance to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supported way. It’s not about being fixed, but about being heard.

Askyourself Psychotherapy is one space where that kind of support is offered with care and compassion. It focuses on helping individuals understand the layers beneath their sadness, confusion, or emotional pain. The process is gentle and reflective, helping people feel more connected to themselves.

Whether someone is just beginning to notice signs of depression or has been carrying the weight for a long time, a therapeutic space like this can offer calm in the storm. It doesn’t promise instant solutions, but it does offer a path one small, kind step at a time.

FAQs

1. What Are 5 Warning Signs Of Depression?

Some signs of depression are feeling deeply sad for a long time, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, eating or sleeping too much or too little, always feeling tired, and having trouble focusing. These symptoms can disrupt daily functioning and emotional well-being.

2. How Can I Get Out Of Depression?

Depression is treatable through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like exercise and social support. Talking to a professional can help build a treatment plan that actually works for you.

3. Can A Depressed Person Live A Normal Life?

Yes, with proper treatment, many people with depression can lead normal, fulfilling lives. Ongoing therapy and support are key in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

4. How Do I Know If I Am Depressed?

If you experience persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep changes, and difficulty concentrating for more than two weeks, it may be depression. Seeking professional help is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

5. What Can Start A Depression?

Depression can be triggered by major life events, trauma, chronic illness, or genetic predisposition. Stress and chemical imbalances in the brain also play significant roles.

6. How Is Depression Confirmed?

Depression is diagnosed through a clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, and a physical exam. A licensed professional assesses symptoms to determine if they meet diagnostic criteria.

7. Is Depression 100% Curable?

While depression may not always be “cured,” it is highly treatable, and many people experience long-term remission. Ongoing treatment can help manage symptoms effectively.

8. Why Am I So Depressed?

Depression can stem from genetic factors, past trauma, emotional stress, or chemical imbalances in the brain. Identifying the underlying cause is important for treatment.

9. Is Depression Genetic?

Yes, depression can run in families, suggesting a genetic component, but environmental factors also contribute significantly. Both genetics and life experiences play a role.

10. What Are 10 Major Causes Of Depression?

Depression may be caused by genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, chronic illness, major life changes, substance abuse, grief, hormonal shifts, lack of support, and negative thinking patterns.

11. Why Do I Suddenly Feel Like Crying For No Reason?

Sudden crying can be triggered by emotional stress, hormonal changes, or suppressed feelings. It may also signal an underlying issue like depression or anxiety.

12. What Is The Best Treatment For Depression?

The best treatment often combines therapy (e.g., CBT), medication, exercise, and emotional support. A personalized plan developed with a healthcare provider is key to effective treatment.

Conclusion

Noticing the signs of depression is a powerful first step toward feeling better. Early intervention is key to managing symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, seeking help is vital.

Treatment for depression can vary, but it’s important to find the approach that works best for you. Whether through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, addressing depression can significantly improve your quality of life.

Remember, you don’t have to face depression alone. Reaching out for support and taking action is an essential part of the healing process.