Written by Luisa Kos
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Understanding your depression symptoms and how it impacts daily life
Depression is more than feeling low or having a difficult day. It is a mental illness that can affect how you think, feel, and function in your daily life. You may experience a persistent depressed mood, loss of motivation, or find it difficult to enjoy things you once valued. For many people, depression affects energy levels, focus, and relationships, making everyday tasks feel harder to manage.
Whether you are experiencing mild depression or more severe depression, the impact can be significant. Over time, depressive symptoms can interfere with work, social life, and your sense of self. At The Therapist Finder, we understand that people with depression often feel isolated or misunderstood, but with the right support, you can begin to treat depression and regain a sense of control.
Common symptoms of depression
Depression can show up in different ways, and your experience may change over time. While some people notice emotional changes first, others experience physical symptoms or behavioural shifts that affect how they function. If you are living with depression, you may feel:
- Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite, including weight gain or loss
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
- Experiencing depressive episodes that vary in intensity
- Withdrawal from social interactions or daily responsibilities
- Thoughts about death or suicidal thoughts
- Feeling disconnected from others or your environment
If you recognise these other symptoms, it may be a sign that you are experiencing depression. Reaching out to a mental health professional through The Therapist Finder can help you understand what you are going through and begin your recovery.
Are there any physical symptoms of depression?
Depression does not only affect your emotions. Many people also experience physical symptoms that can feel just as challenging. These may include physical aches, low energy, or ongoing fatigue that does not improve with rest.
In some cases, depression can link to chronic pain or worsen existing medical conditions. You might also notice changes in sleep, appetite, or overall physical wellbeing. These symptoms can make it harder to recognise depression, especially when they appear alongside other health concerns.
Understanding the connection between your mental and physical health is important. At The Therapist Finder, we help you connect with therapists who recognise how depression can affect your whole body and support you in managing both emotional and physical experiences.
Depression in children and teens
Depression can affect young people differently than adults. Children and teenagers may struggle to express how they feel, and symptoms may appear as irritability, withdrawal, or changes in behaviour. Experiences such as physical or sexual abuse can increase depression risk and contribute to long-term mental health problems.
Early support is important. When young people develop depression, it can affect education, relationships, and emotional development. Finding the right support through The Therapist Finder can help identify challenges early and provide guidance tailored to their needs.
Depression in adults
In adults, depression often presents as ongoing low mood, fatigue, and difficulty managing responsibilities. Many people continue with work and daily life while struggling internally, which can make it harder to seek help.
Depression and anxiety often occur together, and adults may also experience related conditions such as panic disorder or anxiety disorder. Without support, symptoms can persist or worsen, increasing the risk of chronic depression or recurring major depressive episodes.
What causes depression?
Depression is a complex condition, and there is rarely a single cause. A combination of psychological factors, biological influences, and life experiences can contribute to developing depression. Some triggers can include:
Childhood experiences
Early experiences can shape how you respond to stress and emotions. Negative experiences during childhood may increase the likelihood that you will develop depression later in life.
Life events
Major life changes or stressful situations can trigger depression. This may include loss, relationship breakdowns, giving birth or becoming pregnant, or ongoing stress.
Styles of thinking
Negative thinking patterns, including low self-esteem or self-criticism, can contribute to depressive symptoms and maintain a depressed mood.
Other mental health conditions
Conditions such as bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, or other psychiatric disorders such as PTSD can increase vulnerability to depression.
Physical health issues
Certain medical conditions, including thyroid disorders, can contribute to symptoms of depression and impact your mental wellbeing.
Family history
If depression or other mental disorders run in your family, you may have a higher likelihood of experiencing similar challenges.
Specific medications
Some medications can affect mood and increase the risk of depression as a side effect.
Recreational drugs and alcohol
Substance abuse can worsen symptoms and make it harder to manage depression effectively.
Sleep, diet, and exercise
Lifestyle factors can play a role in mood regulation. Poor sleep, diet, or lack of exercise can contribute to experiencing depression.
Living With Major Depressive Disorder
Living with major depression or persistent depressive disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms continue over a long period. You may find it difficult to stay motivated, maintain routines, or feel hopeful about the future.
However, depression can be managed with the right support. At The Therapist Finder, we connect you with professionals who understand mood disorder conditions and can support you in managing chronic depression through structured and personalised care.
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional. This may include discussing your symptoms, experiences, and how long they have been affecting your life.
A medical diagnosis considers both emotional and physical aspects, including how your symptoms align with recognised mental health problem criteria. Your GP or therapist may also explore underlying medical conditions or contributing factors.
At The Therapist Finder, we help you connect with experienced professionals who can guide you through the diagnosis process and recommend appropriate mental health treatment.
Treatment options
There are a range of effective treatments available to support recovery. The right approach will depend on your needs, symptoms, and circumstances. At The Therapist Finder, you can explore psychological treatments and connect with therapists who specialise in depression.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking. It is one of the most widely used approaches to treat depression.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving relationships and communication patterns. It helps address social and emotional factors that contribute to depression.
Behavioural activation
This approach encourages you to re-engage with activities that bring meaning or enjoyment. It supports gradual changes that improve mood and reduce withdrawal.
Individual problem solving
Problem-solving therapy helps you break down challenges into manageable steps. It builds confidence and supports practical solutions.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
This approach explores past experiences and emotional patterns. It helps you understand how earlier events may influence your current feelings.
Medication may also be part of your initial treatment, and some people benefit from antidepressant medications alongside therapy. A combination of approaches can often provide the most effective results.
Get help from the right place with The Therapist Finder
If you are experiencing depression, you do not have to manage it alone. The Therapist Finder helps you connect with qualified professionals who understand how depression affects your life and can support your recovery.
Through The Therapist Finder, you can access talk therapy, explore treatment options, and find a therapist who fits your needs. Whether you are experiencing less severe depression or moderate or severe depression, support is available to help you move forward.
Therapy helped me understand that depression is not a sign of weakness. It’s an illness, and like any illness, it needs treatment, care, and management.
Find a specialist now
Finding the right therapist can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. At The Therapist Finder, you can explore experienced professionals who specialise in depression and related conditions.
Take the next step today with The Therapist Finder and connect with a therapist who can help you understand your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards lasting change.
Limor Tevet
I have experience working with a range of difficulties, from depression and low mood, anxiety and stress, to anger issues, trauma and abuse, bereavement, bullying (at work or at school), low self esteem, work related problems, family and relationship issues (including couple counselling) and more.
Dominique Frater
I am an integrative counsellor and a member of the BACP, with a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and experience working within the NHS offering solution-focused therapy. My approach is shaped by both professional training and personal experience, and is based on the belief that people can reach a greater sense of peace and fulfilment through deeper self-understanding. I offer a supportive, reflective space where clients can explore themselves honestly, even when the process feels uncomfortable, and begin to make changes that feel more in line with the life they want to live.
Martina Klich
I trained at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust as a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist. I am a member of the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists (TSP), the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I am DBS checked. I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds, countries, religious beliefs and sexualities and am especially mindful of a client’s culture, religious and social influences.
Joggs Camfield
Every person is unique, experiencing an individual journey that sometimes can become difficult to navigate. We can lose our way and the challenges and obstacles we face are hard to negotiate alone.
Sally Fricker
As a psychodynamic therapist. I use a relational process where significant personal change can emerge from feeling seen, heard and accepted. Perhaps you are facing anxiety, depression, loss, self-esteem or relationship problems, self-sabotage, or you feel stuck? I offer an emotionally supportive space where we can unearth, at your own pace, underlying patterns, and explore these challenges even when they feel difficult, confusing, or hard to articulate. I am LGBTQ+ sympathetic, and work with adults of all ages, across diverse cultures and societies. We will work to identify patterns of thinking and emotionality, and their young origins. I don’t give advice, but help empower you to make decisions aligned with an authentic self we’ll discover through creative collaboration. By understanding the influences shaping your life, we can work toward meaningful change and a more fulfilling, often simpler, life. I address a wide range of client issues in my psychodynamic practice. Specialisms: I support women with maternal/ perinatal mental health issues, and those in controlling /coercive relationships. I’m experienced counselling neurodiverse individuals, (autism spectrum/ADHD) and aso provide therapeutic support to families raising ND children and young people
Paola Filotico
I offer short, medium, and long-term online therapy for adults and couples, in English and Italian. My specialties include anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, grief and bereavement, and life transitions. With experience in both public and private sectors, I use tools from various therapeutic schools, tailoring interventions creatively to each person’s unique context.
Olga Konstantinidou
I am a multilingual Consultant Clinical Psychologist (English and Greek), recognised by the BPS and HCPC, offering online therapy. I work integratively, drawing on approaches such as CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, CFT, CAT and systemic therapy. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person, combining reflection and practical strategies to support meaningful change.
Mary Thomas
With a Humanistic Integrative approach, this counsellor places the client at the centre of the therapeutic process, adapting their work to suit each person’s needs and experiences. Their practice draws on person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT-informed approaches, allowing flexibility to explore past influences, understand present challenges and develop practical ways of managing difficult emotions. They have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and identity questions, and have worked within NHS women’s services as well as with individuals affected by domestic violence and family difficulties. Their work is inclusive of LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse clients, and is grounded in creating a safe, respectful and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where clients can explore their experiences and build greater self-understanding.
Patricia Almohalla Alvarez
I am a registered Counselling Psychologist and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, with a mainly humanistic approach informed by Gestalt therapy, CBT, ACT, CFT, and mindfulness. I have several years’ experience working with trauma, including PTSD and complex trauma, and offer sessions in both English and Spanish, online and face to face. My work is warm, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s needs.
Peter Reynolds
I hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling. My training draws on a range of therapeutic approaches, which allows me to adapt my work to suit the needs of each individual client. Before training as a counsellor, I worked for many years in the arts, where I developed a deep interest in people’s stories, emotions and inner worlds — an interest that eventually led me to counselling. Alongside my private practice, I have worked in a bereavement charity and in LGBTQ+ mental health services. These experiences have given me particular insight into grief, loss, identity and the impact of marginalisation — all of which continue to inform my work today.
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