Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life. While everyone experiences ups and downs, depression tends to linger — making even simple tasks feel exhausting or overwhelming.

It can impact relationships, work or school, sleep, appetite, and self-esteem. The good news? Depression is treatable. With the right support and tools, healing is absolutely possible.

Depression often shows up in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Some of the internal symptoms may include:

• Feeling hopeless, empty, or numb
• Persistent sadness or a sense of heaviness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Low energy or constant fatigue
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame
• Thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to be here
   

While depression is often invisible, there are outward signs that may signal someone is struggling. These can include:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
• Seeming tired, slow, or disconnected
• Irritability or sudden emotional changes
• Avoiding responsibilities or missing work/school
• Neglecting personal care or hygiene
• Talking negatively about themselves or their future
• Increased use of substances like alcohol or drugs
   

Depression can look very different from person to person. Some people appear “high functioning” — still going through the motions but feeling empty inside. Others may visibly struggle to get out of bed or complete basic tasks. All experiences are valid, and no one should have to face depression alone.

At Evergreen Hope, we offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore what depression looks like in your life or in the life of your child. Through therapy, we help uncover the root causes, build healthy coping skills, and work toward meaningful healing.

You are not broken — and there is hope.