Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a rough day - it’s a persistent struggle that can affect how you think, feel, and function in daily life. It can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming and drain the joy from things you once loved.
So how would you know if you have depression? Here are some common symptoms:
Persistent sadness or emptiness Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Fatigue or lack of energy Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little) Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues Thoughts of self-harm or suicide*
(If you’re struggling with these thoughts, please reach out for professional help - Support is available.)
What Causes Depression?
Depression can have many contributing factors, including: Biological factors – Genetics, brain chemistry, or hormonal changes Psychological factors – Trauma, stress, or negative thought patterns Social factors – Isolation, relationship difficulties, or major life changes
Depression is complex, and it’s different for everyone. Have you ever experienced these signs? What was it like for you?
In our next post, we’ll explore ways to cope and seek support. Stay tuned.
If you recognize some of the symptoms of depression in yourself or someone you care about, please know that we are here for you and there is support available.
There are are some ways to cope and seek help:
Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, can help lighten the emotional burden. Therapy and counselling provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop strategies to manage depression. Depression often brings self-critical or hopeless thoughts. Practicing self-compassion and reframing negative thinking patterns can make a difference. Even when motivation is low, doing small, enjoyable activities can help reconnect you to moments of joy and purpose.
Healing from depression takes time, and what works for one person may be different for another.
Have you found any strategies helpful in managing difficult emotions?
Hi @estherlo96
Yes, prolonged periods of extreme unmotivation can be a sign of depression, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like:
Persistent Low Energy – Feeling drained even after rest.
Loss of Interest – Activities that once excited you feel dull or unappealing.
Difficulty Concentrating – Trouble focusing or making decisions.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite – Sleeping too much or too little, overeating or loss of appetite.
Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness – A sense that things won’t improve or that you’re not good enough.
However, lack of motivation can also stem from burnout, stress, or emotional exhaustion, especially if you’re balancing a lot. If this feeling lingers and disrupts daily life, it might be worth exploring further with a professional or making adjustments to reduce stress.
Do you notice any patterns in when this feeling hits?
I hear you! Am wondering if there was something that might have caused or triggered you to feel this way or you just started to notice that you are feeling this way?
Personally for me I would like to explore and dwell into what these feelings are trying to tell or signal to me (eg. is it cause I’m burnt out etc) then I’ll work towards finding a solution (like taking a sabbatical/ rest, self- care etc).
But yeah I hope while you try to regain motivation and hope, you’ll be kind to yourself. If it starts to get bad (like if there’s signs that it’s starting to have an impact on your day to day life), I would encourage you to seek professional help.
I think what Marshmallow shared is great! It’s good to explore what the thoughts and situations surrounding these feelings are. And when doing so, to keep in mind that thoughts and feelings are momentary mind states and do not make up all of who you are. Being sad and unmotivated for a few days, or even a few months, doesn’t mean you’re just a sad person. You’re a precious important human being going through a sad period of time! It also means it’s okay to have these difficult and challenging thoughts and feelings, but it also means they are not who you are nor will they be here forever
As you try to treat yourself with kindness and regain motivation, I would think about what has been helping you keep going, or what are the things that do perk you up.
And remember if it’s important enough for you to want to do it all the way at your best, but you find it hard to – if it’s that important, it’s probably still good that you even do 20% on a difficult day, and that’s okay.
Hi! thank you so much for responding!! I’m not quite sure if its just part of me growing up, feeling these things, but there have been a few things that have happened to me recently, however i do think i am healing from them so i’m not quite sure.
I feel like i process my emotions quite strongly unfortunately, and whenever something bad happens I have breakdowns, which usually subside and i become alright again but this year I have been feeling not too well these past couple of months and I feel quite hopeless these days :((
Persistent sadness or emptiness
In our next post, we’ll explore ways to cope and seek support. Stay tuned.