How Can I Know If I Have Depression? Signs It’s Time to Talk to Someone

Wondering if what you’re experiencing is clinical depression can feel confusing. You might notice you’re not yourself lately—maybe you’re feeling tired more than usual, less interested in things you used to enjoy, or just feeling off in ways that are hard to describe. The question “how can i know if i have depression” often comes up when these changes start affecting your daily life. Understanding the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and knowing when to reach out to a mental health professional can help you get the support you need.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Depression?

Depression symptoms involve both emotional and physical changes that persist over time. Major depressive disorder includes feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day, nearly every day, along with losing interest in activities you once found enjoyable. This isn’t just sadness—clinical depression is a mood disorder that affects how you think, feel, and function.

Common signs of clinical depression extend beyond mood changes. Many people experience physical symptoms like:

Feeling tired and low energy, even for small tasks
Changes in sleep—sleeping too much, too little, or having trouble falling asleep
Appetite or weight changes, including weight gain or loss
Unexplained aches, pains, headaches, or stomach pain
Physical aches without clear medical cause

You might also have trouble concentrating, difficulty concentrating on work or daily tasks, or problems remembering things. Some people feel worthless, experience low self esteem, or have excessive guilt, while others notice they’re moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling unusually restless.

Clinical depression can show up as irritability, frustration, or anger—particularly in men and teenagers. In severe depression, people may have recurrent suicidal thoughts or thoughts of death.

The key distinguishing factor between temporary low mood and major depressive disorder is persistence. These depression symptoms need to be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks to meet diagnostic criteria for clinical depression. You must also experience a depressed mood or lose enjoyment in activities.

In our practice, we consistently see clients who initially come in for help with chronic headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems—not realizing these physical symptoms are connected to clinical depression. Many people expect depression to feel like overwhelming sadness, so they’re surprised when their bodies are sending the loudest signals. We often help clients recognize that persistent physical symptoms, especially when combined with low mood or loss of interest, warrant a conversation about depression.

How Do You Feel When You Have Depression?

Depression feels different for everyone, but most people describe a persistent heaviness or emptiness that doesn’t lift. You might feel depressed in ways that go beyond sadness—many describe feeling numb, disconnected, or like you’re going through the motions without really experiencing life.

The emotional experience of depressive disorders often includes feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. You might lose enjoyment in activities that used to bring pleasure, from hobbies to spending time with a friend or family member. Some people describe it as viewing the world through a gray filter, where nothing feels quite right or worth the effort.

Depression symptoms can also manifest as irritability or anger rather than sadness alone. Physical problems like chronic pain, health problems, or digestive issues may dominate your experience. The American Psychiatric Association notes that these varied presentations of major depression reflect the complex nature of the condition.

How Many Symptoms Mean I Should See a Mental Health Professional?

If you have five or more symptoms of depression lasting most of the day for two weeks, it’s time to seek treatment. Mental health conditions like clinical depression require professional evaluation because depressive disorders won’t simply resolve on their own.

At least one of your symptoms must be either a depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. Other symptoms can include any combination of sleep changes, appetite or weight changes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness or slowed movement, and thoughts of death.

Depression treatment works best when started early. Many people wait months or even years before they seek treatment, thinking their symptoms will improve on their own or that they should be able to “push through.” However, clinical depression involves biological, psychological factors, and social factors—not a character weakness.

What If My Symptoms Don’t Match Exactly?

Clinical depression doesn’t always look textbook. Some people experience symptoms primarily as physical problems like chronic pain or physical aches without recognizing the emotional component. Others might not feel sad but notice they’ve lost enjoyment in everything or feel emotionally numb.

Your depression symptoms might vary based on your age and gender. Teenagers and children may show irritability rather than sadness, while older adults might present with less obvious signs like reduced energy or changes in sleeping patterns. Older adults sometimes dismiss depressive symptoms as normal aging or grief, missing the signs of clinical depression that needs treatment.

Men are less likely to acknowledge feelings of hopelessness and more likely to express major depressive disorder through anger or substance abuse. Women are diagnosed with clinical depression more often than men, though men also experience depressive disorders and may be less likely to seek mental health services from a mental health professional.

If something feels off and is interfering with your daily life, family life, or relationships, that’s reason enough to consult a mental health professional—even if you don’t check every box on a symptom list.

We often tell clients in our practice that if they’re asking themselves whether they should seek help, that question itself is usually the answer. The fact that you’re wondering whether something is wrong means something has shifted enough to catch your attention. You don’t need to meet every diagnostic criterion to benefit from talking to someone. We’d rather see you early when depression symptoms are manageable than wait until clinical depression has taken a larger toll on your life.

When Is Depression an Emergency?

If you’re having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself, seek help immediately. This is always an emergency, regardless of whether you meet other criteria for major depression.

Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911.

Other urgent situations include when depressive symptoms prevent you from taking care of basic needs like eating, getting out of bed, or maintaining personal hygiene. Severe depression that causes significant functional impairment requires immediate professional intervention.

If you notice a friend or family member showing warning signs—particularly social withdrawal combined with talk of death, giving away possessions, or saying goodbye—take it seriously and help them get emergency care. Don’t assume they’re just having a bad day when signs point to severe depression.

Ready to get started?

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Mental health professionals diagnose clinical depression through a comprehensive mental health evaluation, physical exam, and sometimes lab tests. An accurate diagnosis requires ruling out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

During evaluation, your provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms:

When depression symptoms started and how long they’ve lasted
How they affect your daily life and relationships
Your family history of depressive disorders or other mental health conditions
Any prescribed medications you’re taking
Life events or stressful events that might contribute to your symptoms

A physical exam and blood tests help rule out medical conditions like thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or other health problems that can mimic depression symptoms. Certain medications can also cause depressive symptoms, which your provider will consider.

Your provider may screen for other mental health conditions that commonly occur with clinical depression, including anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder (also called manic depression). Anxiety often occurs alongside major depressive disorder, with many people experiencing anxious feelings as part of their mood disorder.

The diagnostic process isn’t about labeling you—it’s about understanding what you’re experiencing so you can access appropriate mental health treatment. A thorough evaluation leads to a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

What Are the 5 Main Symptoms of Depression?

The five core symptoms of depression include: a depressed mood or feeling sad most days, loss of interest in activities, significant changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue or low energy, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. However, clinical depression involves experiencing at least five symptoms total from a broader list.

Other symptoms that complete the picture of major depressive disorder include feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, physical aches or pains, weight gain or loss, moving more slowly or feeling restless, and recurring thoughts of death. The specific combination of symptoms you experience determines how depression feels for you personally.

Understanding these common signs helps you recognize when you might need to seek treatment. Depression symptoms must persist most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks to meet criteria for major depression, but you don’t need to wait that long to reach out for support.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Clinical depression is highly treatable through talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy assist in recognizing and altering negative thought patterns while enhancing coping mechanisms.

Talk therapy provides a safe space to explore feelings, identify triggers, and develop practical strategies for managing depressive symptoms. Many people see improvement within several weeks of starting therapy, though the full course may take several months to treat depression effectively.

For moderate to severe major depressive disorder, combining medication with therapy often provides the most effective way to treat depression. Medications typically take several weeks to work, with improvements in sleep, appetite, and concentration often appearing before mood lifts.

Other treatments may include brain stimulation therapies like electroconvulsive therapy for treatment-resistant depression, lifestyle modifications, and support groups. The choice of depression treatment depends on your specific situation, preferences, and how severe your symptoms are. Your treatment plan may evolve as you progress.

We approach clinical depression with a fundamental belief in hope and recovery. Depression can make you feel like nothing will ever change, but we see people get better every day in our practice. Early intervention makes a real difference—the sooner you start treatment, the more treatment options you have and the less entrenched the patterns become. We’re here to work alongside you, not to judge how long you’ve waited or how severe things have gotten.

What Are the Causes of Depression?

A combination of biological, psychological factors, and social factors contributes to depressive disorders. Family history matters—having blood relatives with clinical depression, manic depression, or other mental disorders increases your likelihood of developing major depressive disorder.

Research suggests that changes in brain chemistry may play a role in clinical depression, though the exact mechanisms are complex. Chronic medical conditions can contribute to or worsen depression symptoms:

Diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders
Chronic pain conditions
Other long-term health problems

Physical or sexual abuse, trauma, and stressful events increase vulnerability to depressive disorders. Negative thought patterns and problematic coping behaviors like avoidance or substance abuse also contribute to risk. Life events such as loss, major transitions, or ongoing stress can trigger clinical depression in susceptible individuals.

Limited access to resources creates additional risk—including food, housing, healthcare, and community support. Having connection to a faith community or other social networks can provide protective factors against major depression.

Depression in young people often begins in the teens, 20s, or 30s, though depressive disorders can occur at any age. Women are diagnosed with clinical depression more often than men, though men also experience major depressive disorder and may be less likely to seek mental health services from a mental health professional.

How to Pull Out of Depression?

The most effective way to recover from clinical depression is to work with a mental health professional who can create a personalized treatment plan. While self-care strategies support recovery, they work best alongside professional depression treatment rather than as a replacement.

To treat depression effectively, you typically need a combination approach:

Working with a therapist to address negative thought patterns and develop coping skills
Considering medication if recommended for moderate to severe depression
Maintaining regular sleep and eating patterns, even when you don’t feel like it
Staying connected with a family member, friend, or faith community, even minimally
Moving your body regularly, which can help with depressive symptoms

It’s important to understand that you can’t simply “pull yourself out” of major depressive disorder through willpower alone. Clinical depression is a medical condition requiring treatment, just like diabetes or thyroid disorders need medical care. Seeking treatment isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a practical step toward feeling better.

How Can I Support Someone I Think Has Depression?

Encourage them to see a mental health professional and offer to help them find resources. Sometimes the hardest part of getting help is taking that first step—having support from a friend or family member can make a significant difference when someone is experiencing symptoms of clinical depression.

Avoid dismissing their feelings or suggesting they just “snap out of it.” Comments like “just think positive” or “others have it worse” minimize their experience with depressive disorders. Instead, express concern, listen without judgment, and validate that what they’re experiencing is real and treatable.

Help them locate a mental health professional through their insurance network, community mental health services, or resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (also known as SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Offer practical support like driving them to appointments or helping them remember to take prescribed medications.

If they express suicidal thoughts or you’re worried about their safety, don’t leave them alone. Contact a crisis line, their mental health provider, or emergency services immediately. Other symptoms that warrant immediate attention include inability to function in daily life or self-care.

Get Support in Dupont Circle

If you’re in the DC area and recognize these signs of clinical depression in yourself or someone you care about, the therapists at Therapy Group of DC in Dupont Circle are here to help. Schedule an appointment to talk about what you’re experiencing and explore treatment options for major depressive disorder.