How Do You Know If It’s Depression or Just a Bad Week?
Everyone feels down sometimes. But depression is different from having a rough patch, even though it can be hard to tell where the line is. You might be wondering if what you’re experiencing is actually depression—or if you’re just tired, stressed, or going through a difficult time.
Depression isn’t about feeling sad all the time. It’s about a persistent shift in how you experience your life.
What Depression Actually Looks Like
Depression shows up differently for different people. Some common signs include feeling persistently empty or numb rather than actively sad. You might notice you’ve lost interest in things that used to matter—hobbies, friendships, even spending time with people you love.
Other signs that might indicate depression:
- Changes in sleep—either sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia
- Appetite shifts that lead to weight changes
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues that don’t have a clear cause
The key difference? These symptoms persist for at least two weeks and interfere with your ability to function in daily life.
What Depression Feels Like From the Inside
People often describe depression as feeling like they’re moving through thick fog. Everything takes more effort—getting out of bed, showering, responding to texts. Simple tasks feel overwhelming.
You might feel disconnected from yourself and others, like you’re watching your life from behind glass. Or you might feel irritable and short-tempered rather than sad. For many people, depression manifests as numbness—a lack of feeling rather than sadness.
Should You Take a Depression Test?
If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself in these descriptions, a depression screening can be a helpful next step. Tools like the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) are used by healthcare providers to assess depression severity.
You can find versions of this questionnaire online, but here’s what’s important: a screening tool isn’t a diagnosis. It’s information that helps you decide whether to seek professional support.
What to Do If You Think You Have Depression
First, know that acknowledging you might have depression is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you’re paying attention to yourself.
Start by talking to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or healthcare provider. If you’re , consider reaching out to a therapist who can help.
At Peace & Harmony, we work with individuals experiencing depression using evidence-based approaches including BrainSpotting, which helps process the underlying trauma and stress that often fuel depression.
Treatment works. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can significantly improve depression symptoms. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this alone.
Small Steps You Can Take Now
While you’re considering next steps, these practices might help:
- Maintain a basic routine, even when it feels pointless
- Get outside for even 10 minutes a day if possible
- Connect with one person, even just through a text
- Limit alcohol, which can worsen depression
These aren’t cures, but they can help stabilize you while you seek professional support.
Depression is real, it’s common, and it’s treatable. You deserve support, not shame.
Resources:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
- Mental Health America screening tools: mhascreening.org
- Crisis support: Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
