I'm doing what I need to, but everything takes more effort
You get up, go to work and answer messages. You do the shopping. When someone asks how you are, you say, “Fine.” You do not want to start a conversation you do not have the energy for.
You still fulfil your responsibilities. It just gets harder to start them. After work, you cancel a meeting. Things you once enjoyed stop interesting you. Even a small decision takes a long time.
You think depression looks different. That it means constant crying or being unable to get out of bed. Since you still work, you decide you need to try harder.
Depression does not look the same for everyone. Alongside low mood, there may be a loss of interest, fatigue, irritability or a sense of emptiness. Sleep and appetite change. Concentrating becomes harder.
You do not have to stop fulfilling your responsibilities to need help. How much effort they take and what you give up to manage them matter too.
Look at what has changed. Has almost nothing brought you pleasure for some time? Do you feel tired in the morning despite sleeping through the night? Do you increasingly blame yourself for things that used to cause little difficulty?
These symptoms do not establish that you have depression. They require a conversation and assessment. Similar difficulties can also occur with physical illness, sleep problems or excessive demands.
If they persist for around two weeks or longer, book a consultation. If symptoms are severe, seek help sooner.
At the meeting, also talk about what others cannot see. The hour spent on a simple task. The cancelled meetings. The fact that you fulfil your responsibilities but have no energy for anything beyond them.
If you have suicidal thoughts, seek urgent help. If your life is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Hanna Swierczewska
Psychologist, psychotraumatologist, psycho-oncologist
If you would like to talk about your situation, you are welcome to book an online consultation.
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