A common misconception is that someone with depression must appear visibly sad all the time.

That’s not necessarily true.

Depression can sometimes appear as:

• Irritability
• Emotional numbness
• Withdrawal
• Anger
• Exhaustion
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Loss of interest

Some people continue working, taking care of their families, and appearing perfectly functional while privately struggling.

Laziness and Depression Are Not the Same Thing

Everyone procrastinates sometimes.

Everyone has days when they don’t want to clean, exercise, work, or answer messages.

That alone doesn’t mean someone is depressed.

One important difference is persistence and impact.

A temporary lack of motivation may improve after rest, a change of environment, or a little encouragement.

Depression can persist and interfere with multiple areas of life.

A person may desperately want to change but repeatedly find themselves unable to function as they normally would.

What Should You Do If You Recognize These Signs?

If several of these symptoms have been present for a while and are interfering with your daily life, consider talking with a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified mental-health professional.

You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable.

A professional can help determine whether depression may be involved and can also consider other possible explanations, including physical health conditions, medications, sleep problems, anxiety, or other mental-health conditions.

Start With One Small Task

When you’re struggling, don’t necessarily try to fix your entire life in one day.

Choose one manageable action.

For example:

• Take a shower.
• Drink a glass of water.
• Open the curtains.
• Eat something nourishing.
• Walk outside for five minutes.
• Reply to one message.
• Put away five items.
• Make your bed.

Small actions don’t cure depression, but they can make the next step feel more manageable.

Talk to Someone You Trust

You don’t have to explain everything perfectly.

You can simply say:

“I’ve been struggling lately, and I don’t feel like myself.”

That sentence can be enough to start a conversation.

Depression often encourages people to withdraw and keep everything to themselves. Reaching out can be an important first step.

When Depression Becomes an Emergency

See more on the next page