Clear Psychiatry

What is depression? Symptoms, causes, and how to know if you're depressed

Counselor holding client's hands during a therapeutic session, showing empathy and professional care

Depression is a common mental health condition that can make you feel empty, numb, and exhausted. This guide explains what depression is, what it feels like, and how to feel better when you're struggling.

Living with depression can feel like being stuck in a well: dark, lonely, and hopeless.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition involving persistent low mood and a cluster of other symptoms that last at least two weeks or keep returning, such as fatigue, appetite changes, and feelings of worthlessness. It can make daily life harder to manage and affect how you think, feel, and behave.

Profile portrait of person looking downward with concerned, worried expression in soft window lighting

Common symptoms of depression

Depression looks different for everyone. Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling persistently upset, irritable, restless, angry, empty, numb, tired, or hopeless.
  • Experiencing low self-esteem
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Struggling with concentration 
  • Finding it hard to make decisions
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much during the day
  • Restlessness
  • Losing interest in sex
  • Changes in appetite
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks
  • Experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you or someone you know is experiencing these feelings, speaking to a qualified mental healthcare professional can help.

Dr Hannah Cullen, director of Clear Psychology.
Dr Hannah Cullen, director of Clear Psychology.

What triggers depression?

Anyone can develop depression at different points in life, such as after having a baby or during certain seasons. It can arise for many reasons, including:

  • A difficult upbringing
  • Traumatic events
  • Bereavement
  • Major life changes
  • Money worries
  • Physical health problems
  • A family history of depression
Close-up of two people's hands during a therapy session, showing trust and emotional support in conversation

How to feel better when depressed

People with depression often feel worthless or undeserving of help. No matter what your brain tells you, you deserve support.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people find the following approaches helpful:

  • Talking therapies - such as counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
  • Peer support - talking about your worries can help you feel less alone.
  • Antidepressant medication - such as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

While some people find antidepressant medication useful, what works best varies from person to person, and many benefit from psychological therapies alone.

Lifestyle changes to manage depression

Taking care of yourself through exercise, sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, being creative, or spending time in nature can also lift your mood. 

What helps is different for everyone. Trying a combination of approaches can help you find what works best for you.

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