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Are you or a loved one feeling down, depressed, and stuck despite efforts to pull yourself together? Depression could be impacting your ability to function in the normal day-to-day and to feel like your true best self.
July 25, 2025
Are you or a loved one feeling down, depressed, and stuck despite efforts to pull yourself together? Depression could be impacting your ability to function in the normal day-to-day and to feel like your true best self. Often, people struggling with depression feel stuck in a life made of repeated unproductive patterns and painful habits. It can be extremely confusing and frustrating without the right support and guidance.
Every individual has the potential for a peaceful, compassionate, connected self at their core. However, depression can discourage one from seeing that potential within themselves affecting how they think, feel, and act. Depression can have such a significant impact on someone’s persona in that they feel one with their depression, lose their self-identity, and no longer function as their true self, but as a product of the depression instead.
As humans, we naturally thrive on an inner “life force” that gives direction and purpose. When this is lost or becomes blurry, your mental health may need a checkup or some extra care. It can serve as a wake-up call to tend to your inner self so that your outer self can continue to function.
A depressive state and how it manifests is individually unique to each person. It is critical to be informed and aware if you or your loved ones begin to experience any depressive symptoms. Regardless of the severity, this change in the mental state should not be taken lightly. The overall outcome and success of a treatment plan hinge significantly on timing.
1 in 10 Americans suffer from depression with rates on the rise for teens and young adults (US News & World Report, Sept. 19, 2022)
Depression affects a person’s mood and how they think, feel and act. Depression can be caused by unexpected or significant life changes, brain chemistry, genetics, or hormones. Depression looks and feels different for everyone. Depression isn’t something you can just wish away or snap out of. Depression can be treated with therapy, medication or both.
General Symptoms of Depression
Children may show depression as being irritable, sad, clingy, worried or resistant to participate in usual daily activities (school, play with friends, after school activities).
Teens may show depression as being irritable, sad, moody, drop in school attendance or performance, isolation, using addictive substances, self-harm or loss of interest in normal activities.
Depressive Symptoms in older adults can be less obvious. These symptoms can include personality changes, memory issues, fatigue, changes in sleeping or eating, isolation or suicidal thoughts or feelings.
It is imperative for persons experiencing depression to have access to tools and support that foster feelings of hope, to change and to move forward and progress. Once a sense of “possibility” is restored, people will respond differently as they learn to manage depressive symptoms. Depression can be clinically treated with therapy, medication, or both.
In regards to mental health, it is not recommended to self-diagnose and professional help is always advised. However, there are also lifestyle changes that support clinical treatments. Helps for Managing Depression include self-care for your physical, social and emotional health.
Helps for Managing Depression
Physical Health - daily routine including sleep, eating, exercise
Social Support - time with family, friends, co-workers
Emotional/Mental Support - self care (journaling, reading, meditation, yoga)
Therapy
Medication
To better understand depression, watch this 4 min video:
“I had a black dog, his name was depression”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc
Professional Support
For suicidal thoughts
In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Free and confidential.
U.S. veterans or service members in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Spanish 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free)
Contact your therapist, doctor, close friend, loved one or faith leader (Mayo Clinic, Oct. 14, 2022).
References
Depression (Major Depressive Disorder), mayoclinic.org, Oct. 14, 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, support is just a step away.
Visit Atium Health to learn how we can help you find clarity, connection, and compassionate care — wherever you are on your journey.
Stay informed about the latest research in psychology.
Struggling with depression can feel overwhelming, but there are small, meaningful steps that can help you manage symptoms and find relief. At our mental health clinic, we provide compassionate support and evidence-based therapy to help individuals navigate depressive episodes and reclaim joy in everyday life.
