Depression isn’t just feeling sad for a day or two. It drains your energy, blunts interest in things you used to enjoy, and makes everyday tasks feel heavy. You might sleep too much or too little, lose appetite, have trouble concentrating, or feel hopeless. If you recognize a cluster of these signs for more than two weeks, it’s worth taking action.
Here are practical signs to watch for: persistent low mood, slowed thinking, trouble finishing tasks at work or school, withdrawing from friends, or constant fatigue. For example, someone who loved running might stop showing up for group runs because even lacing shoes feels like too much. Another person might find themselves rewatching TV all night to avoid thinking. Those are not just bad days—they can be depression.
Call your doctor or a mental health professional if symptoms last most days for two weeks or more, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself. If you can’t sleep for nights, can’t eat, or can’t handle daily responsibilities, don’t wait. If you’re in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, contact emergency services or a crisis line right away. Early help makes a big difference.
Treatment often combines talk therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviors. Medications like SSRIs (for example, escitalopram, sold under brand names such as Lexapro) can lift mood for many people. Deciding on meds is a personal choice you make with your doctor—expect a few weeks to notice change and some trial-and-error to find the right dose.
Practical steps you can try today: set tiny goals (make your bed, walk 10 minutes), keep a simple routine for sleep and meals, cut back on booze and recreational drugs, and move more—short walks help your brain chemistry. Track your mood in a notebook or app so you can spot patterns and share them with your clinician.
Lean on people. Tell a friend, family member, or coworker you trust what’s going on. Isolation worsens symptoms. If talking is hard, texting one trusted person each day can keep you connected. Peer support groups—online or local—can also help you feel less alone.
Medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support each play a role. Some people need a combination; others respond well to one approach. If one treatment doesn’t work, that’s not failure—keep working with your clinician to adjust the plan. For more detailed guides, we cover common antidepressants, therapy options, and medication alternatives on our site, including a full Lexapro guide and posts about other treatment choices.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ll stay that way. Small, steady steps plus professional help can change the direction of recovery. If you’re unsure where to start, book a primary care visit and say, “I’ve been feeling down—can we talk about options?” That simple line opens the door to getting better.
