With more than 21 million adults in the US suffering from depression, it is more common than ever to be experiencing mental and physical symptoms that affect your daily life.
Depression is often described as a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness, yet its experience can vary widely among individuals. It’s more than when you just feel sad or have a bad day; it can be a deep, pervasive sense of despair that affects every aspect of your life.
Depression can manifest in many ways and can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. So what does depression feel like?
In this article, we will delve deeper into the symptoms of depression, feelings, and real-life examples to provide you with a better understanding of this condition.
What does depression feel like? Symptoms of Depression.
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a serious medical condition that can affect how you feel, think, and act. For a proper diagnosis, you must experience symptoms for at least two weeks, noting a change in daily function (like an inability to keep up with household chores or get your work done as you once did).
8 Emotional symptoms of depression
The emotional symptoms of depression are often the most recognizable and distressing aspects of the disorder. You would typically experience a pervasive and persistent sadness that can linger for weeks, months, or even years.
This deep sadness is often accompanied by a profound sense of hopelessness, making your future seem bleak and devoid of any positive prospects. When you struggle with depression, you frequently feel overwhelming feelings of worthlessness and excessive guilt, sometimes over minor issues or perceived failings.
Additionally, irritability and anger can surface, often inexplicably, and be directed towards yourself or others. Another hallmark emotional symptom is anhedonia, the loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, which can lead you to withdraw socially and further feelings of isolation.
These emotional disturbances can create a debilitating cycle, as your negative feelings and thoughts reinforce each other, making it challenging to break free from the grip of depression.
In summary, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be wise to consult an online mental health professional for an evaluation. Here is the list:
- Persistent sadness. You have an unshakeable feeling of sadness that lingers day after day, often without a clear cause.
- Hopelessness. You get a sense that nothing will ever get better and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
- Worthlessness and guilt. You feel intense feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, and excessive guilt over real or imagined faults.
- Irritability and anger. You experience a short temper, frustration, and irritability, often over minor issues.
- Loss of interest. You show a marked disinterest in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, social interactions, and even sex.
- Difficulty concentrating. You have trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Illogical thought patterns. You deal with persistent unhealthy thoughts, such as “I’m a failure” or “Life isn’t worth living.”
- Indecisiveness. You struggle with the inability to make even simple decisions, leading to procrastination and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe, so note what you are experiencing and how long it has been going on.
Additionally, you might experience what is known as “high-functioning depression,” where you can still keep up with daily tasks while you struggle mentally and emotionally.
This type of depression can be hard to identify, since you are able to suppress your symptoms so well, you might not even recognize them as signs of depression.
What does depression feel like? 8 Physical symptoms of depression.
For many people, depression is not just emotional; it is physical as well. Because your mind and your body are connected, it is understandable that your emotions can affect you physically. Many of these symptoms are bidirectional, meaning that the symptom can cause depression and alternately, depression can cause a specific symptom.
- Tiredness and fatigue: The exhaustion that comes with depression can be overwhelming. It can keep you from getting out of bed, completing daily chores, and going to work. Some of the most common causes for depression-based fatigue are low dopamine, poor sleep, and stress.
- Back pain:There is a connection between back pain (specifically, low back pain) and depression. If you often struggle with back pain, it can cause depression, and conversely, you could develop back pain if you spend a lot of time lying in your bed or on the couch due to a lack of drive from depression.
- Chronic pain: As with back pain, when you deal with chronic pain, depression can develop as a result of the difficulties the pain may cause. It is easy to see how the inability to do daily activities, let alone activities and hobbies you love could cause depression.
- Headaches: Consistent headaches can cause depression, and depression can cause migraines and tension headaches. If you struggle with stress, poor sleep, and dehydration, they can all contribute to depression headaches.
- Decreased pain tolerance: You may experience pain more intensely when you’re depressed. Additionally, a decreased tolerance of pain can also happen. Some of this has to do with your perception of pain and how your brain processes it.
- Sleep disruption: Sleep problems are quite common if you’re depressed. You can sleep a lot and still not feel rested, or might have difficulties falling or staying asleep. Also, if you already have a sleep disorder, it could cause depression.
- Changes in appetite and weight: Depression can certainly affect your desire and ability to eat. Depression can cause you to overeat or undereat, either of which can affect your weight.
- Digestive system symptoms: The stress associated with depression can certainly upset your digestive system. This can present as abdominal pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating or cramps.
What does depression feel like? Describing the experience.
Depression is often linked to a black cloud or a heavy weight that you carry around. It can feel like being stuck in a dark, endless tunnel with no way out. For some, it’s a numbness, an inability to feel any emotions at all, like living in a void. It can be accompanied by feelings of anger, restlessness, or a sense of disconnection from reality.
Unhealthy thoughts pervade, creating a persistent sense of worthlessness and despair. It may feel like you are trapped in a dark tunnel with no end in sight, leading to isolation and a disconnection from the world and people around them. This deeply personal and pervasive experience underscores the importance of understanding and empathy for those living with depression.
There are many ways you can express the symptoms of depression that you experience. Below is a small list of how several individuals have candidly shared what depression can feel like:
- “Smallness. Like you can’t breathe deep enough to expand into significance.”
- “A void too apathetic to be hungry.”
- “It physically hurts. I feel confused and betrayed by my joints, back, knees, and brain.”
- “Fatigue, no desire to do much of anything, withdraw and isolate myself, feel anger towards myself.”
- “When I feel a depressive episode coming on it’s like a tidal wave in the distance headed straight for me and only me.”
- “Unconscious fog that wraps me up and doesn’t want to let go.”
- “Eating until I am so heavy I can feel myself again – I need the constant taste of food in my mouth.”
- “Questioning why I am even here. Feeling like I am a waste of space and oxygen.”
Depression can look different for everyone. You may not experience all of the symptoms listed above, or you may experience some or many of them at once.
This can remain consistent each day or change drastically from one day to the next, which can be one of the most frustrating and defeating parts of depression.
Where do depressive thoughts come from?
Your depressive thoughts often stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. These factors can significantly impair your mental processes, making daily functioning challenging.
- Genetic factors:
- Family history: A family history of depression can increase your risk of developing depressive thoughts.
- Inherited traits: There are certain genetic traits that can make you more susceptible to depression.
- Biological factors:
- Brain chemistry: If you have imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can affect your mood and thought processes.
- Hormonal changes: When you experience hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also contribute to depression.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illnesses or neurological disorders can influence brain function and lead to depressive thoughts.
- Environmental factors:
- Stressful life events: Your experience of traumatic events, loss of a loved one, financial problems, or major life changes can trigger depression.
- Social isolation: If you lack social support and meaningful connections, it can increase feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Additionally, poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse can negatively impact your mental health.
- Psychological factors:
- Unhealthy thinking patterns: Persistent unhealthy thoughts, such as pessimism or self-criticism, can contribute to your depression.
- Low self-esteem: If you have feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth, they can lead to depressive thoughts.
- Past trauma: Your experiences of abuse, neglect, or other trauma can have long-lasting effects on your mental health.
How can you manage symptoms of depression?
Even though coping with depression can be a long and challenging journey, it is possible. Here are some ways you can begin to improve your symptoms and overcome depression:
- Challenge unhealthy thoughts: Since depression can often be fueled by unhealthy thought patterns, you can work on identifying and challenging these thoughts (also known as cognitive reframing) with more positive and realistic ones.
- Reach out for support: Talk to friends and family about what you’re going through, join a support group, or connect with others online who are going through similar experiences. You don’t have to go through this alone. Isolation makes the symptoms of depression worse, and connecting with others can often help ease symptoms.
- Practice self-care: This includes eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Showing yourself love through self-care actions is a powerful way to combat depression, which can often make you feel like you don’t deserve good things.
- Make lifestyle changes: Sometimes, small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. This can include setting boundaries, saying no to things that cause unnecessary stress, or taking breaks throughout the day.
- Step by step: Remember that overcoming depression is not a linear process, and it may take time to see improvements. Be patient with yourself, take baby action steps toward relief, and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way.
- Seek out professional help: This can include online counseling, medication, or a combination of these. An online mental health professional can provide individualized treatment that addresses your specific needs.
How to get help for symptoms of depression?
If you think you may be experiencing depression, seeking help from a Makin Wellness online therapist is a crucial step in your mental health journey.
Our online therapists are trained to understand and address the complexities of depression, offering personalized support and evidence-based treatments. We can help you navigate your emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards regaining a sense of balance and overall mental health. Moreover, having a supportive, non-judgmental space to express feelings can significantly alleviate the burden of depression.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and professional online support can make a significant difference in your journey towards better mental health.
With Makin Wellness online therapy, you can take the first step towards reclaiming your mental health anytime, anywhere. It’s a convenient, effective, and compassionate solution designed to fit your lifestyle and help you navigate the challenges of depression.
Don’t let depression hold you back—embrace the opportunity for change and growth with online therapy today. Call our care team to make an online therapy appointment at (833)-274-heal or visit our website.
