What does depression look like?

Depression can look different for everyone, but for many people it feels like more than just feeling sad. It’s often a persistent heaviness, emptiness, or emotional numbness that makes life feel harder than it used to. You might notice feeling hopeless, irritable, or disconnected, and things that once brought joy or meaning may no longer feel satisfying. Many people also become very self-critical, struggling with guilt, shame, or a sense of not being good enough.

Depression often affects your energy, focus, and body as well. You may feel constantly tired, unmotivated, or slowed down, even with plenty of rest. Sleep and appetite commonly change, concentration can be difficult, and making decisions may feel overwhelming. Some people also experience physical symptoms, such as aches, tension, or a heavy feeling in the body, without a clear medical explanation.

In daily life, depression can lead to pulling away from others and falling behind on responsibilities. You might cancel plans, stop reaching out, or struggle to keep up with work, school, or household tasks. At times, simply getting through the day can feel like a major effort. In more severe cases, depression can include thoughts of not wanting to be here or feeling that life isn’t worth living, which is a sign that extra support is important.

How can counseling help to overcome depression?

For many people, therapy becomes a place where you can finally slow down and feel genuinely understood. Sessions often involve talking through what your days actually look like, such as how hard it is to get going in the morning, the constant self-doubt running in the background, or the way motivation seems to disappear without warning. We’ll identify tendencies in your thoughts and emotions, and gently challenge the harsh inner voice that depression creates, and work with you to develop tools for getting through difficult moments.

Therapy also tends to be very practical. We’ll work together on ways to manage low energy, break overwhelming tasks into smaller steps, or cope when emotions feel intense. Sessions can include learning how to respond differently to negative thoughts, practicing skills to regulate mood, or setting small, realistic goals for the week ahead. The pace is collaborative and flexible, adjusting to what you need most session by session.

As therapy continues, many people begin to notice meaningful changes. You may feel more grounded in your emotions, less controlled by self-criticism, and more able to show up in your life even on hard days. While there are still ups and downs, therapy can help the heavy periods pass more quickly and make room for moments of feeling hopeful and enjoyment.

Here is a list of a few coping strategies that have been found to be helpful:

• Behavioral Activation - creating structure throughout your day/week to develop a safety net against depression

• Thought monitoring and cognitive restructuring

• Positivity journal

• Mindfulness

• Meditation

• Emotion Regulation skills

• Distress Tolerance skills

• Problem Solving

• Increasing social support and connection

• Strategies to improve sleep

• Reconnecting with hobbies and interests

• Crisis and Safety Planning