Depression Does Not Always Look Like Sadness

A lot of people think depression should look obvious. Crying every day. Staying in bed. Being unable to work. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it looks like getting through the day, doing what is required, and feeling almost nothing while you do it.

Depression can show up as irritability, low energy, poor concentration, loss of interest, isolation, guilt, sleep changes, or feeling like everything takes more effort than it should.

High functioning does not mean you feel well

People can keep working, parenting, serving, leading, and meeting responsibilities while feeling emotionally flat or exhausted inside. Functioning can hide the severity of what someone is experiencing.

That can also make it easier to delay getting help because there is always another reason to keep pushing.

Treatment looks at more than mood

Therapy can focus on behavior patterns, isolation, unresolved stress, grief, trauma, negative beliefs, relationships, routine, and the parts of life that have gradually become smaller.

If depression includes thoughts of suicide or immediate safety concerns, use emergency services or 988 in the United States. Routine counseling contact should not be used as an emergency response.

Related reading: What therapy with Jonathan can look like; What to expect in a first session.

If you are considering adult individual counseling, review session information and decide whether the approach fits what you need. View availability on Headway for virtual appointments, insurance information, and cost estimates, or read what to expect when starting therapy.