A sense of heaviness, even in the body, is almost a universal aspect of depressed moods. You may find yourself easily, have little energy, difficulty concentrating, or struggle to feel motivated. You may experience a harsh inner critic, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness. Some people, especially men, experience depression more as irritability than sadness.

Many people also experience bodily symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep, or libido. A difficult day or two, especially in response to a stressful life event, is not necessarily depression. But when a number of these symptoms occur most days over a period of weeks, it may indicate a depressive episode.

Depressed moods can arise from many things. Grief after the loss of a loved one often feels like depression, but we understand the cause. Chronic stress, burnout, trauma, relationship struggles, major life transitions, loneliness, or longstanding patterns of self-criticism can all contribute to depression. Some people are also more genetically predisposed to depressed moods, and certain medical conditions can increase vulnerability.

Often, it is not just one thing. Life sometimes has a way of accumulating emotional burdens until we begin to feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected from ourselves and others.