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.
Javier Calatrava
Transpersonal Integrative Psychotherapist
Georgie Gee
I have a wealth of knowledge about child and adolescent development as well as over 18 years of experience of working with young people (up to the age of 25) and their families. Areas that I work with cover the normal struggles of adolescent development including, gender, identity and independence. As well as school refusal, self-harm and the impact of divorce/separation and grief on the family dynamics. No problem is too small or to inconsequential to be thought about. I aim to provide a safe and confidential provision that allows one to feel listened to and experience validation. I also think about the unconscious patterns of relating that get acted out whether that be with the child or young person or within the wider family that can impact how young people relate to each other and or their family members and peer group. I am also able to work with parents in a non judgemental way to help you support your adolescent to grow, develop and repair family disharmony. I also have experience with care experienced and young people at boarding schools. It all begins with a open conversation.
Katie Ashley
I offer warm, holistic counselling. My approach is compassionate, honest and supportive, with a strong belief that therapy should feel accessible, human and genuinely helpful. Sessions are held online, giving you the flexibility to access support from the comfort of your own space.
Julie Davies
Feeling anxious, confused, lost or stuck? There are many reasons to look for a counsellor, and it’s so important that you feel safe and supported to explore the most difficult and painful issues that are impacting your life. My aim is to create a compassionate space where we work together to build a trusting relationship where you can freely look at whatever is important to you, at your own pace. By extending empathy and acceptance without judgement, my role is to empower you navigate a path forwards. Book a free 20-minute Zoom consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Camilla Ferraro
I can help if you are struggling with your relationship with food, your body, neurodivergence, identity, or the pressure to meet expectations that do not fit who you are. My background in nutrition and dietetics means I understand how personal, emotional and often political food and eating can be, but my work now is less about telling you what to do and more about understanding your story. I am interested in who you are, what has happened to you, and how you have learned to cope. I bring both professional training and lived experience of neurodivergence and past disordered eating, but I will never assume that makes me the expert on you. Our work together would be collaborative, thoughtful and respectful of your own experience, with room for honesty, repair and learning along the way.
Erika Zazzu
MBACP registered, trauma-informed psychotherapist based in York, offering sessions in person and online. She works with adults navigating the aftermath of difficult or traumatic experiences, helping them to understand the patterns that keep them stuck and develop greater freedom and self-compassion. Erika holds particular expertise in self-esteem, people-pleasing, and boundary difficulties, and is a specialist in supporting neurodivergent clients — especially those who are late-diagnosed with ADHD or autism. She also has specialist training in recovery from narcissistic or emotionally unavailable relationships.
Samuel Smith
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practise in accordance with their Ethical Framework. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling from the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, London. Alongside my clinical practice, I am engaged in doctoral research jointly with the New School and Middlesex University, exploring how gender shapes therapeutic relationships, particularly in the context of working with women who have experienced trauma. This ongoing work continues to deepen my commitment to a therapeutic practice that is inclusive, reflective and sensitive to the dynamics of power, identity and social context.
Laveen Smith
I am a qualified integrative therapist and registered MBACP, working from a person-centred foundation and tailoring therapy to your individual needs and experiences. With over 15 years’ experience supporting young people and adults, including those affected by violence, the criminal justice system, and complex mental health challenges, I bring a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental approach to the work.
Jonathan Campbell
Integrative counselling is my area of expertise as a licensed and skilled counsellor. My therapy approach combines many components of various therapies, including Person-Centred, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Humanistic Approach, and Mindfulness. No one method can be used to treat a person in every circumstance. Therefore, my perspective is every individual must be considered, and integrative therapy methods must be customised to meet their unique needs and circumstances. I have almost ten years of experience as a personal therapist, working with clients ranging in age from seven to seventy, world-wide. I hold Two MSc in Psychology and Counselling Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling (Integrative), and I’m presently working towards a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. I have worked with people from a variety of sexual backgrounds, non-binary people, asylum seekers, and different cultures. I have worked with children, teenagers, and young adults who needed help with their schooling, personal problems, or who were at risk of social or academic isolation through counselling and mentoring with various agencies.
Annie Caton
Hi, I’m Annie, an experienced neurodivergent-affirming person-centred counsellor. I will work to support you in feeling empowered to make your own positive changes to live your life the way that works for you. Ensuring a safe, non-judgemental and empathetic space for you to explore any issues you are dealing with. My aim is to tailor counselling to you, making any reasonable adjustments possible to support you in making therapy as comfortable as possible. Currently offering online and telephone counselling sessions to anyone in the UK, and based in Shropshire. No matter the issue you are facing, I would love to hear from you and see how we can explore this together.