How do I know if I have depression?
Everyone feels down sometimes. But if sadness, fatigue, or hopelessness last more than a couple of weeks—and start interfering with your daily life—it may be depression.
You might be experiencing depression if you:
- Feel persistently sad, numb, or empty
- Struggle to enjoy things you once loved
- Sleep too much or too little
- Have trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- Feel worthless or guilty for no clear reason
- Experience changes in appetite or weight
- Feel restless or slowed down
- Think about death, dying, or hurting yourself
If these symptoms sound familiar, finding a therapist for depression could be a meaningful first step toward healing.
Recognizing the symptoms
Depression doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some people appear withdrawn or tearful. Others stay high-functioning on the outside but feel like they’re falling apart inside.
Common symptoms include:
- Low mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Feelings of hopelessness or despair
- Physical aches or fatigue with no medical explanation
- Difficulty performing at work or in school
- Irritability or increased sensitivity to stress
- Withdrawing from friends or family
A mental health professional for depression can help you understand what you're feeling—and why it matters.
What do the diagnostic criteria mean?
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you must experience five or more key symptoms (like persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, etc.) for at least two weeks. These symptoms must interfere with your daily functioning.
A licensed psychologist for depression or clinical therapist will assess your:
- Mood, behavior, and physical symptoms
- Personal and family history of mental health
- Life stressors or traumatic experiences
- Current coping strategies
A diagnosis isn’t a label—it’s a tool for creating the most effective treatment plan.
Getting diagnosed
Getting diagnosed starts with a conversation. Your provider may ask about:
- Your emotional and physical symptoms
- How long you’ve been feeling this way
- Any past experiences with therapy or medication
- Your current level of functioning at work, home, or school
They may also use screening tools like the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Diagnosis is the beginning—not the end—of your journey.
You don’t need to have a “worst-case” scenario to seek help. Counseling for depression is helpful whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.
What is the difference between depression and sadness?
Sadness is a normal, temporary reaction to difficult events. It passes with time or support.
Depression, on the other hand:
- Lasts longer—often weeks or months
- Affects multiple areas of life
- Doesn’t always have a clear reason
- Feels heavy, numb, or constant
If you're struggling to function, or your sadness just won’t go away, a depression therapist can help distinguish between temporary low mood and clinical depression—and guide you toward the right support.
What causes depression?
There’s no single cause of depression. It often results from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Common contributing factors include:
- Brain chemistry or hormone imbalances
- Genetics or family history
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Trauma, loss, or major life changes
- Medical conditions or medications
- Isolation or lack of support
You don’t need a specific “reason” to feel depressed. Therapy for depression can help you explore the roots of your mood and develop healthier ways to cope.
How do I treat depression?
Depression is highly treatable, especially when you use a combination of approaches. The most effective treatment plans often include:
Talk Therapy
Working with a therapist for depression allows you to:
- Talk through painful thoughts and feelings
- Understand patterns in your thinking and behavior
- Learn tools to reduce symptoms and regain balance
The most common therapy types include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Centers around relationship challenges and life transitions
- Behavioral Activation: Helps you re-engage with meaningful activities to lift your mood
Medications
Antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) can help restore chemical balance in the brain. Medication isn’t always necessary, but it can be life-changing for some people—especially when combined with therapy. Always consult a doctor or psychiatrist for guidance.
Lifestyle & Environmental Supports
- Build a routine with regular sleep and meals
- Move your body, even in small ways
- Stay connected to safe, supportive people
- Minimize alcohol or substance use
- Use tools like journaling, mindfulness, or mood tracking
Psychoeducation
Understanding how depression works empowers you to manage it more effectively. A mental health professional for depression can help you separate fact from myth—and give you language for what you’re going through.
Who can treat depression?
Treatment can come from several types of licensed providers, including:
- Therapists and counselors (LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs)
- Psychologists (often offer assessments and talk therapy)
- Psychiatrists (can prescribe and monitor medication)
- Primary care doctors (may start treatment or refer you out)
- Online therapy platforms (a flexible option for many)
When finding a therapist for depression, look for someone you feel comfortable with—someone who listens, understands, and can guide you toward what works best for your needs.
Why should I treat depression?
When you’re in the middle of depression, it can feel like nothing will help—or that you don’t deserve to feel better. But depression is not a weakness, and you don’t have to just live with it. Treating depression can change your life, even if progress feels slow at first.
Left untreated, depression can:
- Interfere with work, school, and daily responsibilities
- Strain or damage relationships with partners, friends, or family
- Lead to substance use as a way to numb pain
- Cause physical health problems like fatigue, insomnia, or chronic pain
- Increase your risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Depression doesn’t just affect your mood—it touches every part of your life. Over time, untreated depression can make you feel disconnected from who you are, what you care about, and the people you love.
But here’s the good news: depression is treatable.
With the right support, people often experience:
- Improved mood and energy
- More restful sleep and better focus
- Renewed interest in life and activities
- Stronger boundaries and relationships
- A clearer sense of self and purpose
You might not notice change overnight. But small steps add up. Working with a depression therapist or starting counseling for depression can help you rediscover joy, rebuild confidence, and start feeling more like yourself again.
Even if you’ve tried therapy or medication before and didn’t get the results you hoped for, that doesn’t mean healing isn’t possible. There are many treatment options—and one of them might work better for where you are now.
You don’t have to be in crisis to get help. You just have to be ready to stop carrying it all alone.
Can depression come back?
Yes, depression can be recurrent, especially if it’s left untreated. However, many people go through long periods of remission—or recover entirely.
Even if symptoms return, you’ll be better equipped to recognize the signs and get support early. Ongoing teletherapy for depression or maintenance sessions can help prevent future episodes.
What is the difference between depression and burnout?
While both may involve exhaustion and low mood, they stem from different causes.
Burnout:
- Often work-related
- Includes emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced performance
- Usually improves with rest or a change in environment
Depression:
- More pervasive and long-lasting
- Affects multiple areas of life
- Doesn’t go away with time off
A psychologist for depression can help clarify whether you’re burned out or dealing with something deeper—and guide you to the right next steps.
What is the difference between depression and grief?
Both grief and depression involve deep sadness—but they aren’t the same.
Grief:
- Is a natural response to loss
- Comes in waves and may include bittersweet memories
- Often includes continued connection to the person or thing lost
Depression:
- Is more constant and numbing
- May include feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Can involve disconnection from everything—even the self
It’s possible to experience both at once. A skilled therapist for depression can help you process loss while addressing depressive symptoms.
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
These are two common forms of clinical depression:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) involves more intense symptoms that last at least two weeks.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (formerly dysthymia) includes milder symptoms that last for two years or more.
Both can interfere with life—and both are treatable. A licensed therapist or psychologist can help determine which diagnosis fits and what kind of support you need.
Do you need a reason to be sad to get depressed?
No. Depression doesn’t always have an obvious cause. You don’t need to have gone through trauma, loss, or hardship to feel depressed.
Some people develop depression even when “everything looks fine” on the outside. That doesn’t make it any less valid. If you’re struggling, you deserve support—no explanation required.
Can you “snap out” of depression?
No—and being told to “just cheer up” can be harmful. Depression is a medical condition, not a choice. Willpower alone isn't enough.
Recovery takes time, treatment, and compassion. If you're feeling stuck, therapy for depression can help you move forward—one small, sustainable step at a time.
Do children get depression?
Yes. Depression affects people of all ages, including children and teens. Their symptoms may look different:
- Irritability instead of sadness
- Trouble at school or with friends
- Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches)
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
If you’re concerned about a child or teen, talk to a pediatric therapist or school counselor. Early support makes a big difference.
Depression can feel isolating, but help is within reach. Whether you're considering counseling for depression, online therapy for depression, or looking for a depression therapist in your area—support is out there. You don’t have to figure it out alone.