Written by Luisa Kos
Table of contents
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.
Adele Braun
Adele is a Highly Specialist Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists. She is qualified to work therapeutically with children and young people up to the age of 25, as well as parents, carers and professionals. Adele has worked with children and families for over 20 years, including clinical and leadership positions within the NHS and in many mainstream and specialist schools. Specialisms: Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy – Therapeutic parental support – Family Therapy – Supervision – Consultation to professionals.
George Booty
BACP-registered senior accredited psychotherapist and psychotraumatologist with over 30 years of clinical experience. He holds a Doctorate in Psychotherapy (DPsych), two Masters degrees, and a range of diplomas in psychotherapy, supervision, and hypnotherapy. He is Senior Lecturer and Director at Convergence College of Psychotherapy, has presented at international conferences, and has provided trauma therapy for major organisations including ITV, Royal Mail, Babcock International, and HM Prison Service. He has served as an Expert Witness in UK legal proceedings.
Keren Lewis
M.A in Art Psychotherapy. Experience of working with depression, anxiety, anger, isolation, bereavement, attachment, homelessness, trauma, self harm, interpersonal challenges, neuro diversity and learning disabilities.
Daniel King
In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, it is no surprise that many people find themselves overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, or a persistent sense of unease. When emotions become difficult to manage, it is natural to fall into cycles of negative thinking or to rely on ways of coping that ultimately leave us feeling stuck. Through my work within the NHS and across a range of counselling and therapeutic services, I have supported individuals and couples in navigating these experiences and creating meaningful change. My approach combines a thoughtful, collaborative space to talk with a focus on understanding patterns, developing insight, and building practical, lasting shifts. Therapy is not solely about addressing crisis or difficulty. It can also be a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with a deeper sense of clarity and direction. A space in which you are not only listened to, but genuinely understood and where new possibilities can begin to take shape. Research consistently shows that the majority of people experience a significant improvement in both wellbeing and quality of life through counselling. This reflects what I see in practice every day: with the right support, change is not only possible, but often closer than it first appears.
Farah Chowdhury
BACP-registered integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, and the founder of A Space for You Counselling. She works from locations in Kings Cross and West Hampstead in London, and offers outdoor therapy in Mill Hill and online sessions via Zoom. Farah is a South Asian Muslim therapist with a background in publishing, mental health research, and communications, and is a member of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN). Her practice is culturally attuned, anti-oppressive in its foundation, and particularly focused on supporting Global Majority adults with intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, imposter syndrome, complex relationship patterns, burnout, and the psychological impact of racism and discrimination. She brings a relational, integrative approach that treats the therapeutic relationship itself as central to the healing process.
Maya Anderson
I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist based in London, offering weekly therapy to individuals and couples both in person and online. My work focuses on how early experiences and relationships shape current patterns, anxiety, low mood and difficulties in connection. I practise within ethical guidelines, undertake regular supervision and ongoing training, and have supported many clients to make lasting changes in how they relate to themselves and others.
Miriam Christie
If you are looking for heartfelt therapy to help you to overcome difficulties in your life, you are in the right place. My particular expertise is in: Anxiety Career Change Depression Grief Infertility Life crises and transitions Postnatal mental health Pregnancy Please feel free to get in touch.
Meghan Fitzpatrick
BACP-registered integrative counsellor working relationally and drawing on therapeutic and coaching tools to support clients navigating transitions, relationship changes, identity questions, and periods of uncertainty. Before qualifying as a therapist, she spent over a decade working as an international documentary director, deepening her understanding of human stories. She specialises in remote sessions and works with expats, individuals in career transition, and those reassessing significant areas of their lives.
Marina Palmer
I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor with over ten years’ experience, offering individual counselling to adults of all ages – from 18 to 118! You are all welcome to my practice. You may be seeking counselling because you are feeling worried all the time; or you feel unable to experience enjoyment – you are more tearful than usual, or you feel “flat” or “low”. This might be for any number of reasons: You might have experienced an adverse life event or a change in circumstance, such as a bereavement, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or the new diagnosis of a health condition. You may be feeling stressed at work or at university, or overwhelmed with caring responsibilities, or experiencing difficulties in your friendships, in your primary relationship or in your family of origin. Or you may simply feel “stuck” but not know why. Perhaps you have faced difficulties or had trauma in the past – you were bullied at school, you were involved in an accident, or there were problems within the home. You may have experienced abuse or neglect. Together we will seek to understand how your experience has shaped the way you think about things, or feel about yourself, and how these may be holding you back in the present. As your self-awareness grows, so will your ability to make positive changes to your life. Whether you are facing one of these issues or another that’s not listed, or you simply want to talk to someone outside of your day-to-day life in order to gain a different perspective, my aim is to support you as best I can. Whatever your reason for reaching out for help, I am available either in person or by video, to talk it through with you.
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.
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