Everyone has difficult days. You may feel sad after a stressful event, frustrated when things don’t go as planned, or exhausted after a particularly demanding week. These feelings are a normal part of life and often improve with time.
Depression, however, is more than simply having a bad day. Depression can affect your mood, thoughts, behavior, relationships, sleep, appetite, energy, and ability to function in everyday life.
Recognizing the signs of depression can be an important first step toward getting support.
At Balance Point Wellness, our experienced therapists and psychiatric prescribers provide individualized mental health care for adults experiencing depression and other mental health concerns. We offer therapy and medication management, with in-person locations in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland, as well as virtual care statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect how you feel, think, and function. While everyone experiences sadness or difficult emotions, depression involves symptoms that are more persistent and may interfere with daily life.
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. Some people with depression feel numb, empty, irritable, exhausted, or disconnected rather than simply sad.
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances.
Signs of Depression in Adults
Depression symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience many symptoms, while others may notice only a few.
Common signs of depression in adults include:
- Persistent sadness or feeling down
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Low energy or constant fatigue
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability or frustration
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Difficulty completing everyday responsibilities
- Physical aches or unexplained discomfort
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Having one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have depression. A mental health professional can help determine what may be contributing to the changes you’re experiencing.
Persistent Sadness or Feeling Empty
One of the most recognizable signs of depression is feeling sad, empty, or down for an extended period.
However, depression isn’t always obvious sadness. You may instead feel emotionally numb or disconnected from the things happening around you.
You might think, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” without being able to explain exactly why.
Losing Interest in Things You Used to Enjoy
Another common sign of depression is losing interest in activities that once brought you happiness.
You may stop wanting to:
- Spend time with friends
- Exercise
- Go out
- Participate in hobbies
- Attend social events
- Spend time with family
- Do things you normally enjoy
This loss of interest can be one of the most important signs that what you’re experiencing may be more than a temporary bad mood.
Feeling Tired All the Time
Depression can make even simple tasks feel exhausting.
You may sleep more than usual and still feel tired, or struggle to find the energy to get through your normal routine.
Getting dressed, making dinner, answering emails, or keeping up with household responsibilities may suddenly feel overwhelming.
Changes in Sleep
Depression can affect sleep in different ways.
Some people sleep much more than usual, while others have difficulty falling asleep, wake frequently during the night, or wake up much earlier than they intended.
Changes in your normal sleep pattern can be an important sign to pay attention to, particularly when they occur alongside other symptoms of depression.
Changes in Appetite or Weight
Depression can affect appetite and eating habits.
You may lose interest in food or have little appetite. Others may eat more than usual, particularly when using food as a way to cope with difficult emotions.
Significant or unexplained changes in weight or appetite are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Difficulty Concentrating
Depression can affect your ability to focus, make decisions, remember things, or complete tasks.
You may find yourself rereading emails, forgetting appointments, struggling to make simple decisions, or having difficulty staying focused at work.
Feeling Worthless or Guilty
Depression can affect the way you view yourself.
You may become overly critical of yourself or feel guilty about things that aren’t actually your fault. Some people begin to believe they’re a burden to others or that they’re not doing enough, even when there is little evidence to support those beliefs.
Feeling Hopeless About the Future
Depression can make it difficult to imagine things getting better.
You may feel hopeless, helpless, or convinced that your circumstances won’t change.
These feelings can be particularly difficult because depression itself can make it harder to see possible solutions or sources of support.
Irritability and Anger
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness.
For some adults, depression may show up as increased irritability, frustration, impatience, or anger.
If you’ve noticed that you’re becoming more easily frustrated or snapping at people more often than usual, it may be worth considering whether other symptoms of depression are present as well.
Withdrawing From Friends and Family
Depression can make social interaction feel exhausting.
You may start declining invitations, avoiding phone calls, spending more time alone, or pulling away from people you care about.
Sometimes people withdraw because they don’t want others to know they’re struggling.
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect the body as well as the mind.
Some people experience:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Digestive problems
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- General physical discomfort
When physical symptoms don’t have an obvious explanation, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional rather than assuming depression is the cause.
How Do You Know If You’re Depressed?
It can be difficult to recognize depression in yourself, particularly when symptoms develop gradually.
You may want to consider talking with a mental health professional if you’ve noticed significant changes in your mood, behavior, energy, sleep, or interest in activities and those changes are affecting your everyday life.
Ask yourself:
- Have I felt unlike myself for an extended period?
- Have I stopped enjoying things I normally enjoy?
- Am I constantly tired?
- Have my sleep or eating habits changed?
- Am I withdrawing from people I care about?
- Am I struggling to concentrate?
- Do I feel hopeless or overwhelmed?
- Are everyday responsibilities becoming difficult to manage?
You don’t need to answer “yes” to every question to benefit from professional support.
Depression vs. a Bad Day: What’s the Difference?
Everyone has bad days. Stress, disappointment, grief, relationship problems, work challenges, and other life circumstances can temporarily affect your mood.
One difference is persistence and impact.
A difficult day may improve after you rest, spend time with people you care about, do something you enjoy, or give yourself time to process what happened.
Depression can persist and may begin affecting multiple areas of your life.
You may continue feeling low, exhausted, disconnected, or hopeless even when there isn’t a specific event causing those feelings.
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is depression, talking with a mental health professional can help.
Can Depression Be Treated?
Yes. Depression is treatable, and there are several approaches that may help.
Treatment depends on your symptoms, circumstances, preferences, and individual needs.
Treatment may include:
- Individual Therapy
- Medication Management
- Telehealth Services
- A combination of therapy and medication
- Couples Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Lifestyle and behavioral changes
- Support from family or other trusted people
A mental health professional can help you determine what type of treatment may be appropriate.
Therapy for Depression at Balance Point Wellness
Therapy can provide a safe and supportive place to explore the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life circumstances that may be contributing to depression.
A therapist can help you develop coping strategies, recognize unhelpful patterns, work through difficult experiences, and identify practical steps toward feeling better.
At Balance Point Wellness, our therapists provide individualized care for adults experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and other mental health challenges.
Medication Management for Depression
For some people, medication may be recommended as part of depression treatment.
Medication management involves working with a qualified psychiatric prescriber to evaluate symptoms, discuss treatment options, monitor progress, and make adjustments when appropriate.
Medication isn’t right for everyone. Treatment decisions should always be individualized.
At Balance Point Wellness, therapy and medication management are both available, allowing individuals to explore the type of care that best fits their needs.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers
Finding the right mental health provider can make an important difference in your treatment experience.
Balance Point Wellness has a team of experienced therapists and psychiatric prescribers who work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health concerns.
Our providers have different areas of experience, specialties, and therapeutic approaches. This allows us to help connect you with a provider who may be a good fit for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a therapist, a psychiatric prescriber, or both, our team is here to help.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers to learn more about our providers and find the right fit for you.
Mental Health Care Throughout Maryland and Delaware
Balance Point Wellness offers convenient mental health care through both in-person and virtual services.
In-person services are available in:
- Hunt Valley
- Bel Air
- Overlea
- Baltimore
- Salisbury
Virtual services are available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Our services include:
- Individual Therapy
- Medication Management
- Telehealth Services
- Family Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Art Therapy
- School-Based Services
When Should You See a Therapist for Depression?
You don’t have to wait until depression becomes severe before seeking help.
Consider talking with a mental health professional if symptoms are persistent, difficult to manage, or interfering with your work, relationships, sleep, responsibilities, or ability to enjoy life.
A therapist or psychiatric prescriber can help you understand what you’re experiencing and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
What are the signs of depression in adults?
Common signs include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, irritability, hopelessness, and withdrawing from friends and family.
How do I know if I’m depressed?
If you’ve experienced ongoing changes in your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, interest in activities, or ability to function, it may be worth talking with a mental health professional. You don’t need to have every symptom to seek help.
What is the difference between depression and a bad day?
Everyone has difficult days. Depression is generally more persistent and can affect multiple areas of life, including relationships, work, sleep, energy, appetite, and interest in activities.
Can depression make you tired all the time?
Yes. Fatigue and low energy are common symptoms of depression. Some people may feel exhausted even after getting plenty of sleep.
Can depression cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Depression can be associated with physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, digestive problems, sleep changes, and changes in appetite.
Can depression cause anxiety?
Depression and anxiety can occur together. Some people experience symptoms of both conditions, such as persistent worry, low mood, irritability, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping.
Can therapy help with depression?
Yes. Therapy can help people understand and manage the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and circumstances associated with depression. Different therapeutic approaches may be appropriate depending on the individual.
Does depression require medication?
Not necessarily. Some people benefit from therapy alone, while others may benefit from medication, or a combination of therapy and medication. A qualified mental health professional can help determine appropriate treatment options.
When should I see a therapist for depression?
Consider talking with a therapist if depression symptoms are persistent, interfering with your everyday life, affecting relationships or work, or making it difficult to function normally.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer depression therapy?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness offers therapy for depression and other mental health concerns. In-person services are available in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland. Virtual care is available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer medication management for depression?
Yes. Balance Point Wellness offers medication management with qualified psychiatric prescribers. Depending on your individual needs, medication management may be provided alongside therapy.
Does Balance Point Wellness offer virtual therapy?
Yes. Virtual mental health services are available statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Take the First Step
Depression can affect how you think, feel, sleep, work, interact with others, and experience everyday life. If you don’t feel like yourself, you don’t have to figure out what’s wrong on your own.
Balance Point Wellness offers therapy and medication management with in-person locations in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Overlea, Baltimore, and Salisbury, Maryland, as well as virtual care statewide throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Most insurance plans are accepted, and intakes can typically be scheduled within 24 hours.
To make an appointment, call 410-800-2169 or visit bpointwellness.com.
Meet Our Team of Therapists and Prescribers