Depression Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence

October is Depression Awareness Month, and this topic is very important for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve struggled with depression since early adolescence. Those experiences not only shaped who I am today, but also why I chose to become a counselor. I know firsthand how isolating depression can feel, and how misunderstood it is. I’ve also witnessed how powerful it is when people begin to talk openly about their experiences with depression.

What Depression Can Look Like

When most people think of depression, they may imagine someone unable to get out of bed or constantly crying. While that can be true for some, depression doesn’t always look like that. It often shows up in quieter, less obvious ways:

  • Feeling more irritated or short-tempered than usual 

  • An endless cycle of negative self-talk

  • Guilt that lingers or feels disproportionate

  • Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or daily activities

  • Low motivation, even for simple tasks

Because depression doesn’t always “look like depression,” it can be easy to miss, both in ourselves and in our loved ones.

Warning Signs to Notice

It’s important to check in with yourself and with loved ones. Some warning signs to pay attention to include:

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities

  • Changes in sleep or appetite (either increased or decreased)

  • Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness

  • Struggling to find energy for day-to-day responsibilities

  • Increased use of alcohol or other substances to cope

If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you love, it might be a signal that support is needed.

Strategies That Can Help

While professional counseling and support are crucial, there are also everyday strategies that can make a real difference. Here are a few simple approaches that I often use for myself and recommend to my clients:

  • Awareness of thoughts: Pay attention to your inner dialogue. If you notice constant negative or self-critical thoughts, try pausing and asking yourself, “Is this thought fact, or is it my depression talking?” That small shift can help create distance between you and the negative thoughts that often fuel depression

  • Journaling: Writing things down can make emotions feel more manageable. Whether it’s keeping a gratitude list, jotting down worries, or free-writing whatever comes to mind, journaling creates space to process what’s happening internally.  

 • Behavioral activation: Depression tells you to do less, but often the antidote is to do more, even in the smallest of ways. Taking a short walk, making your bed, cooking a simple meal, or calling a friend can help build momentum and start to lift the heaviness. Nike has given us a mantra to use in these instances: Just Do It. Action often precedes motivation.

Why Talking Matters

Sharing about depression can feel vulnerable, but it also creates connection and reduces the stigma. When we talk about mental health openly, we send a powerful message: you are not alone. Depression is something many people live with, and it does not define your worth or your future.

If you are struggling, I encourage you to reach out for support—whether that’s talking with a trusted friend, contacting a therapist, or calling a crisis line if you’re in immediate need. Taking that first step toward help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This month and every month, my hope is that more of us feel empowered to break the silence around depression. Talking about it is the first step toward clarity and healing.