Why am I always depressed? How to be happy again

Depression can be tricky to navigate. For some, it creeps in slowly, so by the time you realize it's upon you, you may feel overwhelmed. Many people who have experienced depression will likely tell you how tough it is to navigate symptoms, but determining the cause of your depression is also difficult.

The causes of depression are complex, as is the treatment. Here are some of the possible causes of depression, along with suggestions for strategies you may consider to start feeling like yourself again.

Causes of depression

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What does depression really feel like?

Depression symptoms vary from person to person, as can the severity of the symptoms. Some people only experience emotional symptoms, while others also have physical symptoms or a combination of both. Some common symptoms associated with depression include:

• Feeling sad, empty, or anxious. While everyone experiences sadness from time to time, it’s essential to understand that depression is more than feeling sad. People living with depression may face these symptoms regularly and for long periods with little or no improvement.
• Increased irritability. Feeling irritable, restless, or cranky or being more easily agitated may all be responses to depression.
• Experiencing a loss of interest. A person with depression may be disinterested in hobbies or activities that used to bring them joy. A low sex drive may also be a sign.
• Difficulty concentrating. Simple things like reading a magazine or watching a TV series may become challenging. Many people with depression are unable to focus on tasks. They may have a hard time remembering things or making decisions. 
• Changes in appetite. Depression can affect someone’s appetite in many ways, and these changes can lead to involuntary weight gain or loss. Some people may eat in excess, even if they aren’t hungry. Others may lose their appetite entirely and, in some cases, skip several meals without thinking about it. Other people may go back and forth between the two extremes.
• Changes in sleep patterns. People experiencing depression may wake up too early or have trouble falling or staying asleep, but the opposite can also happen, resulting in sleeping much longer than usual.

Overcoming depression

Depression is not just a temporary feeling of sadness. It is a disorder that takes time to treat and manage, but it’s encouraging to know that it is possible to overcome depression symptoms. Non-medical means of overcoming mild depression symptoms include being proactive with self-care efforts, such as:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating healthy, regular meals
• Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
• Setting realistic goals
• Staying connected to friends and family

Although these may seem like somewhat menial tasks, completing them each day can help improve your overall mood and feelings. That said, these interventions may not be enough for someone experiencing significant or ongoing depression symptoms. While some people with depression may prefer to deal with the symptoms on their own, there are many benefits to reaching out for help.

Consult your doctor

Only a physician or mental health professional can accurately diagnose depression. If you are experiencing depression symptoms, consider making an appointment with your primary care provider for an initial evaluation and to discuss treatment options.

At your appointment, your doctor will talk with you about how you are feeling and ask questions to formulate a diagnosis. Depression evaluations may include taking a health history, conducting a general physical exam to rule out any underlying health issues, drawing blood to check for chemical or hormonal imbalances, and answering questionnaires focused on mental health issues. Because there are many types of depression and some other mental health disorders that mimic depression symptoms, visiting your primary care provider for an initial assessment is an important first step toward developing a treatment plan suited to you and finding emotional support.

People are often apprehensive about seeing a physician to diagnose depression, which is understandable. If your doctor determines you are living with depression, you may have questions about what it means for your health and what you can do to help ease your symptoms. Similarly, it may be challenging to come to terms with your diagnosis even if you had suspected you were living with depression for some time. Feeling overwhelmed or experiencing thoughts of sadness, fear, and hopelessness are normal.

Working with a therapist

In addition to possible medication management, your physician may recommend the help of a counselor or therapist. Talking to a mental health professional allows you to speak with someone who can guide you on how to improve and manage your depression symptoms.

Your physician may provide you with a list of recommended counselors near you where you can begin therapy, but it’s not uncommon to feel uncertain about scheduling an appointment. 

Some people with depression may struggle to get out of bed, and the idea of going to a counselor’s office, seeing a stranger, and talking about sensitive topics can feel a bit intimidating. The good news is that there are other effective alternatives that might be right for you. Online therapy, for example, is a great way to connect with a counselor or mental health provider from the comfort of your own home.

Plus, studies show that online counseling can improve your mental health. One such study from Palo Alto University found that video-based cognitive behavior therapy effectively treats depression and anxiety. According to the research, approximately 73% of study participants saw improvement in symptoms after six weeks, and the detail suggests a “decelerated decrease in symptoms over time.”

Using online therapy means getting the personal attention you need to address your depression symptoms in a safe environment. At BetterHelp, we strive to offer convenient and affordable professional counseling so everyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help anytime, anywhere. Below are some reviews of BetterHelp counselors from people experiencing similar issues.

Counselor reviews

“I was so thankful for my experience with Oliver. He used careful consideration and knowledge of best practices to thoroughly address my issues and help me feel like myself again. Oliver was curious about my experiences and helped me understand how those brought me to where I am today. Through our sessions, I was able to shift my thought processes about myself and diminish my experiences of depression and anxiety. I would highly recommend Oliver.”

“I found my way to therapy after years of wanting, but avoiding, it at every turn. At 50 I realized I needed to get my act together if I ever wanted to be happy. When I was recommended Nicole there was some trepidation, she's a lot younger and I wondered if we could connect on the issues I'm facing at this point in my life. She has been wonderful. Nicole is a caring, thoughtful individual who understands that therapy is listening and helping the client track down the what and why of the things that are holding them back. In the 2 months I've been working with Nicole I am a happier more together person. I still have a long way to go but I am confident that Nicole can help me find my way.”