How to tell if I’m depressed – Could it be something deeper than just a “phase”?
You may have caught yourself saying, “I don’t feel like doing anything lately.” Or you may wake up in the morning and feel like you’re carrying cement in your chest. But you’re not lazy or “ungrateful.” It may be something called depression. The question is: how can I tell if I have depression?
What is depression in simple terms
Depression is not just sadness. It is not “I’m depressed because my partner broke up with me.” It is a mental disorder that lasts, weighs you down every day, and often cuts you off from yourself. It is not a weakness—it is a very common problem that millions of people face.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
What are the most common symptoms of depression?
It doesn’t always have the same “faces.” It shows you many versions of itself. These are the most common:
Emotional signs:
- feelings of emptiness or hopelessness.
- persistent sadness that lasts for weeks, not days.
- irritability or easy anger.
- feelings of guilt or inadequacy for no apparent reason.
Physical symptoms:
- sleep disturbances (excessive sleepiness or insomnia).
- unexplained fatigue.
- changes in appetite or weight.
- low libido.
Behavioral/cognitive:
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Reduced concentration or decision-making.
- Indifference to activities that used to bring you joy.
- In severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide.
When should you be concerned?
Obviously, not all bad days are a sign of depression. However, if:
- You feel “frozen” towards life for more than 2 weeks.
- Everything seems “the same” and worthless.
- You often have negative thoughts about yourself.
- You can’t find meaning even in things you once loved.
then it’s not just a “phase.” It’s something that needs attention.
How to tell if you have depression: 5 mirror questions
Take some time and ask yourself:
- Do you wake up in the morning feeling exhausted, even though you slept well?
- Have you distanced yourself from friends or activities you used to love?
- Do you feel useless or like a burden to others?
- Do you have thoughts that frighten you?
- Have you lost your sense of purpose? Do you no longer know what makes you happy?
If you recognize yourself in even two of the above, don’t leave it any longer.
Why ask for help?
Because you don’t have to go through it alone. Psychotherapy has been proven to significantly reduce the symptoms of depression. And no, it doesn’t mean that “something is wrong with you.” On the contrary. It is a sign of strength to say, “I need help.”
Find out which type of psychotherapy suits you best here.
Myths that hold you back
- “It’s just a phase, it will pass.” Not always. Delaying treatment can make it worse.
- “I’m not so bad that I need to see a psychologist.” There is no “mental pain scale.”
- “People will think I’m crazy.” The world is changing.
- Psychotherapy is a normal and liberating choice.
What you can do starting today
✔Start writing down how you feel every day.
✔ Take short walks—even if you don’t feel like it.
✔ Talk to at least one person you trust.
✔ Book an informational session—no strings attached.
How can I tell if I am depressed after all?
The first step is to recognize that something is wrong. The second is to give yourself the opportunity to take care of it. If you are wondering “how can I tell if I am depressed,” then you may already have part of the answer.
We at Healthcure are here for you. Not to label you, but to listen to you and work with you to find a way for you to feel like yourself again.
