How to Recognize and Overcome Depression Before It Gets the Better of You

There are days when you may wake up without motivation. You don’t feel like doing anything, and nothing seems to bring you joy. Is this just a passing bad mood, or are you slipping into a deeper depression? How can you recognize the signs early, and what can you do before it spirals out of control?

To understand this better, it’s important to distinguish between mood and depression. A mood is an internal emotional state triggered by a conscious response to something that happened. For example, a good mood can come after hearing good news, achieving something, or just having a day where everyone smiled at you. Conversely, a bad mood might arise after receiving bad news or facing struggles at work.

Mood is something we’re aware of and can usually trace back to a specific cause. It’s also temporary- even if you’re in a bad mood today, chances are you’ll feel better tomorrow or the day after.

Depression, on the other hand, is a deeper, more persistent emotional state that often develops without any obvious external trigger. You feel unmotivated, low-energy, filled with negative thoughts, and getting out of bed feels almost impossible. Unlike a bad mood, depression tends to linger and doesn’t just go away on its own.

At the same time, it's important to dispel the common myth that someone with depression is always hiding under the covers, avoiding all human interaction. This is not necessarily true. A person can go to work, do the grocery shopping, and even laugh with friends, while silently suffering from depression.

How do you recognize depression?

Depression is characterized by a loss of interest and motivation, and a kind of inner emptiness that takes over the soul.

If you've been experiencing several of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, you might be dealing with early signs of depression: lack of energy, no desire to do anything, unexplained chronic fatigue, or a constant stream of negative thoughts.

As a form of emotional first aid, try doing some physical activity. Exercise stimulates circulation, boosts energy levels, and can help reignite your sense of vitality, giving you the strength to keep going with peace of mind and a calmer heart.