Depression can be difficult to recognize, especially when it doesn’t show up in the ways one might expect. It may not involve constant tears or outward expressions of sadness, but a persistent feeling of flatness or emotional numbness. Energy may feel drained, and even basic tasks, like getting out of bed, can seem daunting. Things that once felt meaningful or enjoyable may now feel distant or unreachable.
Some people may withdraw from others, even when they don’t want to be alone, while others may continue with their daily routines, only to feel a growing sense of disconnection from themselves. There may be feelings of confusion, shame, or a quiet, underlying sense of failure, all without clear explanation.
Depression can bring with it a kind of silence. In therapy, there’s space to explore this silence, without the pressure to immediately change it. The focus is on gently approaching what feels unspeakable, offering a chance to begin understanding the experience without rushing to “fix” it. This process doesn’t promise a quick return to what was, but rather the possibility of something different — something that feels more bearable and more alive.
