The early signs of depression – and why they matter

Most of us have felt low at some point – stressed, exhausted, unmotivated. But how do you know when it’s more than just a rough patch? When does feeling "off" turn into something more serious, like depression?

The truth is, depression doesn’t happen overnight. It usually starts with small, subtle changes – things you might brush off as being tired, overworked, or just in a bad mood. But recognising these early signs can make a huge difference. The sooner you spot them, the sooner you can take steps to stop things from getting worse.

People often wait until they feel completely overwhelmed before reaching out for help. But therapy isn’t just for when you hit rock bottom – it’s about catching things early and finding ways to feel like yourself again.

The early signs of depression

Depression doesn’t always start with overwhelming sadness. It’s often much more subtle. Here are some early warning signs to look out for:

1. Feeling constantly drained, no matter how much you rest

We all get tired, but this is different. This kind of exhaustion doesn’t go away with sleep. It’s mental, emotional, and physical. You wake up feeling just as drained as when you went to bed.

2. Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Hobbies, social plans, even your favourite TV shows – nothing feels as exciting as it used to. It’s like a switch has flipped, and the things that once brought you joy just don’t anymore.

3. Small tasks feel overwhelming

Things that used to be second nature – answering a text, getting out of bed, making dinner – suddenly feel like massive undertakings. You tell yourself you’ll do it later, but later never comes.

4. Changes in sleep patterns

Maybe you can’t fall asleep, or maybe you’re sleeping much more than usual. Either way, your sleep feels off, and no amount of rest seems to make you feel better.

5. Feeling irritable or emotionally numb

Not everyone with depression feels sad. Some people get more irritable – things that wouldn’t normally bother you suddenly do. Others feel numb, like they’re just going through the motions without actually feeling much at all.

6. Negative self-talk creeping in

You catch yourself thinking things like "What’s the point?" or "I’m not good enough." It’s subtle at first, but these thoughts start to feel more frequent and more familiar.

7. Withdrawing from friends and family

Maybe you start cancelling plans more often. You tell yourself you just need some time alone, but then a few days turn into weeks, and suddenly, you can’t remember the last time you had a real conversation with someone.

Why recognising these signs early is important

The earlier you notice these changes, the easier it is to do something about them. When depression is caught early, you can manage it before it starts affecting your work, relationships, and overall well-being.

By taking action early, you can:

• prevent things from getting worse
• learn healthy coping strategies
• keep your routine and relationships intact
• start feeling better sooner

The biggest misconception about depression is that you need to wait until you’re really struggling before getting help. You don’t. You deserve support at any stage.

What you can do if you notice these signs

If you’ve read this and a few things sound familiar, here’s what you can do:

• Talk to someone – Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, opening up about how you feel is a great first step.
• Start small with self-care – Move your body, get some fresh air, and try to keep a routine, even if it’s just waking up at the same time each day.
• Consider therapy – You don’t have to go through this alone. Therapy gives you the tools to understand what’s going on and find a way forward.