More Than a Rough Patch
Everyone has stretches of feeling low. A disappointment, a hard season at work, or a stretch of gray days can weigh on anyone. Depression is different. It tends to linger, to color nearly everything, and to make even simple tasks feel heavy. People often describe it as moving through each day with a weight they can't put down.
Early November is a moment when many people take stock. Clocks have changed, daylight is shrinking, and the year is nearing its end, which can make low mood harder to ignore. If you have been wondering whether what you are experiencing is more than a passing mood, this guide explains the signs of depression, the main types, and what depression therapy in Chicago can offer.
The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or legal advice.
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If low mood has been affecting your work, relationships, or sense of yourself, our team is here to help with individual therapy in Chicago and by telehealth.
What Is Depression?
Depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), is a common and serious mood condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions. It is not a character flaw, a lack of willpower, or something a person can simply "snap out of." Research points to a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and depression can affect anyone regardless of age or background (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024).
Common Signs of Depression
Depression does not look the same in everyone. Common signs include:
A persistently sad, empty, or hopeless mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to matter
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleeping much more or much less than usual
Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Restlessness or feeling slowed down
Thoughts of death or suicide
For a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, a clinician looks for several of these symptoms, present most of the day and nearly every day for at least two weeks, along with a clear change from how the person usually functions (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Only a qualified professional can make that determination.
How Depression Can Show Up Differently
Some people do not feel sad in an obvious way. Depression can show up as irritability, anger, or a short fuse, particularly in teens and in men. It can appear as physical aches, constant tiredness, or a flat, numb feeling instead of sorrow. Some people stay outwardly productive while privately struggling, which makes it easy for others, and the person themselves, to miss it.
Types of Depression
Depression can take different forms, and understanding the type helps guide care. Major depressive disorder involves episodes of low mood and other symptoms that interfere with daily life. Some people experience a longer-lasting, lower-intensity depression that continues for years. Depression can also appear after having a baby, which is why postpartum depression is recognized as its own concern. Mood changes may also follow seasonal patterns for some people, and depression frequently occurs alongside anxiety.
Because these patterns overlap, a thorough assessment is often the first step toward getting the right kind of support.
Why People Wait to Get Help
Many people wait months or even years before reaching out. Common reasons include believing they should be able to handle it alone, worrying that others will think they are overreacting, or feeling too tired to start the process. Depression itself can make seeking help feel impossible, which is one of the cruelest parts of it.
If you recognize yourself here, it may help to know that needing support is not a failure. Starting therapy when symptoms are persistent, rather than waiting until things feel unmanageable, can give you more room to recover.
How Depression Therapy Can Help
Psychotherapy is a well-supported treatment for depression, and research shows that cognitive behavioral approaches in particular help many adults (Cuijpers et al., 2013). Depression therapy generally involves exploring the thoughts, patterns, and life circumstances feeding low mood, rebuilding activity and connection step by step, and developing practical tools for hard days. The specific approach is chosen together with your therapist.
Good therapy is also a place to feel understood. Many clients tell us that simply saying things out loud to someone who listens without judgment is a relief. Treatment is tailored to each person, and some people also work with a medical provider alongside therapy, a decision made together with their healthcare team.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first appointment is a conversation. Your therapist will ask about what you have been experiencing, how long it has been going on, what has helped or not helped, and what you would like to be different. You will be able to ask questions about the process. You will not be expected to have everything figured out before you arrive.
From there, you and your therapist will build a plan that fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Sessions are available in person in Chicago or through telehealth.
Ways to Support Yourself Between Sessions
Small steps matter when energy is low. Keeping a loose daily routine, getting outside in daylight when possible, staying in touch with at least one trusted person, and moving your body in gentle ways can all help support mood. These are not substitutes for professional care, and they are not meant to put pressure on anyone to feel better on a deadline. Think of them as supports, not tests.
Common Myths About Depression
Misunderstandings can keep people from seeking help. One myth is that depression is just sadness, when it often includes changes in energy, concentration, sleep, and motivation. Another is that people with depression should be able to "think positive" their way out, which overlooks how real and multi-layered the condition is. Some worry that therapy means being told to relive everything, or that asking for help means they are weak. In reality, therapy is collaborative and paced to the person, and reaching out is a sign of insight and strength.
How Depression Affects Daily Life and Relationships
Depression rarely stays in one corner of life. It can make work feel harder, reduce patience at home, and make it tough to stay in touch with friends. Loved ones may notice withdrawal or irritability and may not know how to help. Some people cancel plans repeatedly, not because they don't care but because they have no energy left. If this sounds familiar, it can help to let one trusted person know what is going on, even in simple terms. Support from others, alongside professional care, can make recovery feel less lonely.
If You Are in Crisis
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, please reach out right away. You can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. If someone you love is in crisis, you can contact 988 for guidance as well. You do not have to wait until you are certain, and you do not have to be alone.
Why Choose Chicago Counseling Center
Chicago Counseling Center treats depression and major depressive disorder as part of our work with mood and anxiety conditions. Our therapists are compassionate, welcoming, and committed to evidence-based care, and we serve teens and adults through individual psychotherapy. Appointments are available in person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm depressed or just sad?
Sadness tends to be tied to an event and to ease with time. Depression is more persistent, affects many areas of life, and often includes changes in sleep, energy, concentration, or interest. A mental health professional can help sort it out.
Can depression come with anxiety?
Yes. Depression and anxiety often occur together, and treatment can address both.
Do I have to be at my lowest point to start therapy?
No. Many people benefit from starting therapy earlier, when symptoms are affecting their life but before they feel overwhelmed.
Is depression treatable?
Many people find meaningful relief with treatment, though experiences vary and no outcome can be guaranteed. A therapist can talk with you about what to expect.
Do you offer depression therapy in Chicago and online?
Yes. We offer individual therapy in person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Depression can make it hard to believe things will change, but that feeling is a symptom, not a verdict. Reaching out is a meaningful first step, and you do not have to take it alone.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment and learn more about depression therapy at Chicago Counseling Center.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Cuijpers, P., Berking, M., Andersson, G., Quigley, L., Kleiboer, A., & Dobson, K. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(7), 376–385. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371305800702
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org
Disclaimer
The content on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or a substitute for professional care. Reading this content, submitting a contact form, or communicating with Chicago Counseling Center does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of depression or another mental health condition, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call 911, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
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