🌧️ What Are the Feelings Experienced During The Depression Phase?
Depression is not simply feeling sad because you’ve had a tough day. Depression is like carrying a backpack you can’t take off for the day. It will take away your energy to engage in daily demands, take away joy, and even the simplest of tasks seem impossible. While adults may simply call it burnout or feeling stuck, it is a significant mental health issue that requires attention, not shame.
Signs of Depression in Adults:
Emotional: Ongoing feelings of hopelessness, guilt, emptiness or numbness to feelings/ emotional response.
Physical: Fatigue, sleep or appetite changes.
Behavioral Issues: Social withdrawal, avoidance of activities/ hobbies, incompetency regarding work/ school.
💡A college student stops attending classes, cancels plans with friends and says, “What’s the point?”
How to Cope (Small Steps are Important)
Talk to Someone. Whether it is a therapist, a trusted friend, or a helpline, we are taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness compared to our peers, but that’s untrue.
Routines Wins. Every tiny win to do something (to shower, take a ten-minute walk) is reinstating momentum.
Self-Care != Selfishness. Be intentional about sleep, nutrition, doing what inspires you (art, music, nature, etc.) that calms your mind and body.
🚨 Myth Buster: Depression isn’t a “phase”. You can professionally ask for help with your mental health, and it can only help you.
Concluding Remark:
Depression is like a storm. It isn’t forever, even when it feels like. You are not alone because we are all experiencing momentum. Start with one small step.