Depression can affect every part of your life. It may impact your mood, energy, relationships and physical well-being. You may feel sad and exhausted for hours nearly every day. When depression is impacting your day-to-day life, whether your symptoms are staying the same or getting worse, seeking treatment can be essential. However, things may be more complicated when you’re already getting treatment. You may wonder what to do next when you’re feeling more hopeless, exhausted or disconnected than before despite being in therapy.

Knowing when to seek treatment or change your level of care can be essential to getting the treatment you need. Different people have different needs. Depending on your situation, regular therapy sessions might not provide enough support. Fortunately, change is possible. Experts say most people get better with treatment. By staying aware of your condition and how it changes over time, you can find the right level of care for you.

6 signs to seek professional support for your depression

• Your sadness doesn’t go away — It’s natural to feel down from time to time. When you have depression, you may often feel sad or have a generally low mood. However, your mood should improve with the right treatment. If you’ve been feeling sad, empty or hopeless for weeks or months without relief, it could be a sign that your depression is getting worse. If you wake up every day feeling weighed down by sadness, or if you can’t remember the last time you felt happy, it may be time to reach out for support.
• You’re losing interest in things you enjoyed — One of the clearest signs of worsening depression is losing interest in activities that once brought you joy. Maybe you used to love reading, playing sports or spending time with friends. Now, you feel indifferent or even irritated by the thought of doing those things. If this sounds like your situation, you may benefit from treatment. A lack of motivation might not just be a phase; as depression worsens, it can start to affect more and more aspects of your life. The good news is that psychotherapy and other treatments can help you reconnect with the things that bring meaning and joy to your life.
• You always feel tired — Depression can drain your physical energy. You might feel exhausted all the time, even after sleeping for hours. As a result, simple tasks like showering, cooking or going for a walk may seem incredibly difficult. Feeling tired all the time could be a sign that your depression is getting worse. If you’re constantly tired, professional support can help you address the root cause and develop strategies to regain your energy.
• Your sleep patterns have changed — Changes in sleep are a major warning sign that your depression may be worsening. Some people with depression find themselves sleeping during the day or struggling to get out of bed in the morning. Others have trouble falling asleep or wake up frequently throughout the night. Sleep problems can make depression worse, as they can prevent you from getting the rest you need. Left unaddressed, this can turn into a cycle that’s hard to break. A mental health professional can help you find ways to regulate your sleep and improve your overall well-being.
• Your thoughts are becoming more negative — One of the most concerning signs of worsening depression is a growing sense of hopelessness. You might feel like things will never get better, or you may believe that nothing you do matters. If you’re having thoughts like “I’ll never feel happy again” or “There’s no point in trying,” it’s time to seek help. Depression can make it hard to have hope for the future. With professional treatment, you can challenge negative thoughts and find a way forward. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 if you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
• You’re withdrawing from people around you — When depression gets worse, some people start to isolate themselves. You might cancel plans, ignore texts or avoid social situations because you feel drained or unworthy of connection. Being alone might feel easier at the moment. However, isolation can actually make depression worse and prevent you from getting the support you need. If you’ve been avoiding the people who care about you, treatment can help you work through your feelings and rebuild healthy connections.

Get tailored treatment for your depression symptoms at Lightfully

Lightfully is committed to providing compassionate, whole-person-centered care tailored to each client’s needs. We can help you understand your depression, find coping strategies and start feeling like yourself again.

Change is possible. If your depression symptoms are getting worse, you can reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.