What Does Depression Feel Like?

"I feel like I'm just going through the motions of life and I don't feel much at all."

"I have a near constant sense of despair that makes me feel like I'm drowning."

While depression looks and feels different for everyone, one common theme rings true: living with depression isn't easy—and it can feel isolating. Know that you're not alone. If you suspect you may be experiencing depression or have already been diagnosed, help is available, and treatment works.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County understand and overcome depression. Here's what you should know about recognizing depression and finding help.

Common Symptoms of Depression

The occasional bad mood or lack of interest in hobbies is something we all experience. For people with clinical depression, however, symptoms are persistent, last at least 2 weeks, and make it hard to go about daily life.

Common symptoms include:

• Low mood most of the time
• Feeling hopeless, sad, or "empty"
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant weight changes or appetite changes
• Slower or more agitated movement noticeable to others
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation

Not everyone experiences all symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe.

How Depression Affects Your Brain

No matter what you might hear from well-meaning friends or family, depression isn't something you can just "snap out of" or "tough out." Depression is a medical condition—specifically a mood disorder—that alters the way your brain functions.

Research shows that depression can even change the physical structure of the brain. Areas that control emotions, mood, and learning may be structurally different in people with depression. This is why professional treatment is so important.

How Depression Makes You Feel

Tired—Deeply, Persistently Tired

About 90% of people with depression report feeling fatigued beyond normal levels. This exhaustion can't be solved with a nap. It may make it hard to get out of bed, keep up with responsibilities, or function at work.

This fatigue happens because depression alters neurotransmitters that control energy levels. Many people with depression also have sleep problems—difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently at night, or being unable to reach deep sleep—which perpetuates exhaustion.

Unmotivated—Even for Simple Tasks

Are you having trouble completing tasks that once came easily? Doing laundry, meeting work deadlines, or even showering may feel daunting during a depressive episode.

This lack of motivation isn't laziness—it's a symptom. Depression affects the part of your brain that controls executive functioning, including setting goals, transitioning between tasks, and ignoring negative thoughts. When this system is disrupted, motivation suffers.

Emotionally Numb

While overwhelming sadness is commonly associated with depression, many people actually feel quite numb and detached from the world. You may feel disconnected from loved ones, lose interest in hobbies, or feel like you're watching your life from the outside.

Hopeless

Being stuck in negative thought patterns is frustrating. No matter what you tell yourself or what others say, you can't shake the unhelpful thoughts. These often result in low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness.

Know that these thoughts are not truths—they're a result of depression affecting your brain's ability to manage negative thought patterns. Studies show that people without depression are better able to suppress negative thoughts than those with depression.

How to Cope with Depression

Lean on Your Loved Ones

Depression can feel isolating, but building a support network is crucial. Confide in a close friend, family member, or support group. Tell them specific ways they can help—sometimes just listening is enough.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Lack of sleep can worsen depression symptoms. Try to:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
• Avoid scrolling your phone in bed
• Limit screen time before bed

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Start small: shower, eat a healthy meal, brush your teeth. Do these things at the same time each day, even if you feel like you're just going through the motions. Small habits can build momentum.

Talk to a Professional

The most important step is meeting with a qualified mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Depression symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so proper evaluation is essential.

Types of Depression We Treat

• Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression): Persistent symptoms for at least two weeks
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Milder but long-lasting depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Depression related to seasonal changes
• Postpartum Depression: Depression following childbirth
• Treatment-Resistant Depression: Depression that hasn't responded to initial treatments

Treatment Options

At Next Step Psychiatry, we offer:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation: Understanding your unique situation
• Medication management: Finding the right medication and dosage
• Spravato (esketamine): For treatment-resistant depression
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track progress

Remember: depression is treatable. With the right help, you can feel better.