Depression can become serious, particularly when someone begins experiencing thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.

If you feel that you may hurt yourself or that you cannot keep yourself safe, seek immediate emergency help or go to the nearest emergency department.

If someone you know is expressing suicidal thoughts, take them seriously. Stay with them when possible and help them connect with immediate professional support.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes what looks like laziness is actually exhaustion, depression, emotional overload, or another health problem.

If someone is struggling to get out of bed, losing interest in things they once loved, withdrawing from others, having trouble concentrating, feeling constantly exhausted, and attacking themselves with negative thoughts, simply telling them to “try harder” may not help.

They may need understanding and professional support—not judgment.

You are not weak because you’re struggling. And asking for help is not a failure.

Depression is treatable, and getting help can be the beginning of feeling like yourself again.

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