What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

Philip Wells • January 10, 2026

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression

If you’re a professional or entrepreneur, people probably see you as strong, capable, and driven. You solve problems. You get things done. You push forward even when things are hard.

But here’s a question many high-achievers avoid asking:

👉 What if the way you’ve been feeling isn’t just “stress”… but could be depression?

Depression doesn’t always look like someone lying in bed all day.
Sometimes it looks like a successful person who is slowly losing their spark.

Let’s talk about it — clearly, honestly, and without stigma — so you can understand the symptoms and notice them early.

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad for a day or two.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function in daily life.

It can drain your motivation, energy, and hope — even when your life looks “fine” on the outside.

Many professionals think:

“I just have to push through.”
“I shouldn’t feel this way — I have so much to be grateful for.”
“Other people have it worse.”

But depression isn’t about willpower or gratitude.
It’s about your brain, emotions, and nervous system being overloaded.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Here are some of the most common symptoms people experience. You don’t have to have all of them — depression can look different for everyone.

1️⃣ Persistent Sadness or Low Mood

You feel down most of the day, almost every day — and it doesn’t seem to lift.

2️⃣ Loss of Interest or Joy

Things you used to enjoy — hobbies, relationships, projects — now feel like work.

Have you been going through the motions without feeling much inside?

3️⃣ Low Energy or Constant Fatigue

No matter how much you sleep, you feel drained and worn out.

4️⃣ Sleep Problems

You may struggle to fall asleep, wake up often, or sleep way more than usual.

5️⃣ Changes in Appetite or Weight

You might eat far less than normal — or turn to food for comfort — leading to noticeable weight changes.

6️⃣ Negative or Harsh Thoughts About Yourself

You may catch yourself thinking:

“I’m not good enough.”
“I’m failing.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”

These thoughts feel believable — even when they aren’t true.

7️⃣ Trouble Concentrating or Making Decisions

Tasks that used to be simple — emails, planning, conversations — feel impossible to process.

8️⃣ Irritability or Frustration

Instead of sadness, depression can show up as anger, impatience, or snapping at small things.

9️⃣ Physical Symptoms

Depression can also show up in the body through:

headaches
stomach issues
muscle pain
slowed movements

And there’s no clear medical reason.

When Depression Shows Up at Work

For professionals and entrepreneurs, depression often hides behind productivity.

You may still be working — but inside you feel numb, tired, or empty.

Have you noticed any of these?

more mistakes than usual
procrastinating tasks you normally handle
losing interest in projects
avoiding calls, meetings, or messages
feeling like you’re dragging yourself through the day

That’s not laziness.
It’s emotional exhaustion.

Depression Doesn’t Always Look the Same

Some people feel deeply sad.
Others feel more like they don’t feel anything at all.

Some cry often.
Others stop showing emotion entirely.

Some stay busy and overwork.
Others isolate and withdraw.

That’s why depression is often overlooked — especially in high-achievers who “keep it together.”

A Gentle but Important Note

Depression can become serious if ignored. If someone ever:

loses hope completely
feels life is pointless
thinks others would be better off without them

— that deserves real support and conversation.

You don’t have to carry heavy thoughts alone.

Why Understanding Depression Matters

When you know the symptoms, you can catch them earlier — and take steps to care for your mind instead of pushing yourself into burnout.

Imagine what your life could feel like if:

your energy returned
your mind felt clearer
you enjoyed things again
you stopped pretending everything was okay

Mental health isn’t a weakness.
It’s part of being human.

Final Thoughts: Pay Attention to the Signs

Depression isn’t always obvious — especially in successful, driven people.

But when your mind feels heavy, disconnected, and tired for weeks at a time, it’s worth paying attention.

Depression is a condition — not a character flaw.

And with the right awareness and support, healing is possible.

If you’re noticing some of these symptoms and you’re ready to talk with someone who understands the pressure high-achievers face…

Click the link below to reach out to me.

Your life and mental health matter — and you don’t have to carry everything alone.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

What to Say to Calm Someone With Anxiety

By Philip Wells • January 16, 2026

What To Say To Calm Someone With Anxiety

What Is the Most Severe Mental Illness?

By Philip Wells • January 14, 2026

What Is The Most Severe Mental Illness?

What Are The 4 Types of Mental Health

By Philip Wells • January 12, 2026

What Are The 4 Types Of Mental Health?

How to Calm a Panic Attack: What to Do When Your Body Hits “Alarm Mode”

By Philip Wells • January 8, 2026

A panic attack can feel like your world is collapsing in real time. Your heart starts racing. Your chest feels tight. Your hands shake. Your mind screams, “Something is wrong!” And even if you’ve had one before, it can still feel terrifying. Many professionals and entrepreneurs experience panic attacks silently — often while still “functioning” on the outside. Inside, though, it feels like a storm. The good news? Panic attacks can be managed, and they always peak and pass — even when they feel endless. Let’s walk through simple steps that actually help. First — What Is a Panic Attack? A panic attack happens when your body’s alarm system fires at full blast, even though there’s no real danger. It’s your nervous system saying: “We’re not safe!” …even when you are. Common symptoms include: Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Chest tightness Sweating or shaking Dizzy or lightheaded Feeling out of control Fear of fainting or dying A sense of “doom” you can’t explain It feels medical — but it’s your brain and body in overdrive. And it will pass. Step 1: Tell Yourself the Truth The fastest way to calm panic is to remind your brain: “This is a panic attack. It will pass.” Say it out loud or in your head. You’re not dying. You’re not losing your mind. Your body is just stuck in “emergency mode.” Naming it helps your brain settle. Step 2: Slow the Breathing (Not Too Fast) When panic hits, we often breathe too quickly — which makes symptoms worse. Try this simple pattern: Inhale for 4… hold for 2… exhale for 6. Repeat slowly. Focus especially on longer exhales — that signals safety to your nervous system. Think: “Exhale the fear out.” Keep going for 60–90 seconds. Step 3: Ground Yourself in the Present Panic lives in “what if.” Grounding brings you back to right now. Try the 5–4–3–2–1 technique: 5️⃣ things you can see 4️⃣ things you can feel 3️⃣ things you can hear 2️⃣ things you can smell 1️⃣ thing you can taste Say each one slowly. Your brain shifts from fear → observation. And the panic begins to fade. Step 4: Relax Your Body (One Area at a Time) Tension fuels panic. Pick one muscle group at a time: Tighten your shoulders… Hold for 3 seconds… Release. Then your jaw. Then your hands. Then your stomach. You’re showing your body: “We’re safe. You can let go.” Step 5: Change Your Environment (If You Can) Sometimes a small shift helps your brain reset: Step outside Sit somewhere quieter Open a window Take a short walk Splash cool water on your face Movement + fresh air = calm signals. Step 6: Talk Back to the Panic Panic loves dramatic thoughts like: “I can’t handle this!” “Something terrible is happening!” Answer back with facts: ✔️ “This is uncomfortable, but I’m safe.” ✔️ “My body is reacting — it will pass.” ✔️ “I’ve gotten through this before.” You’re taking your power back. Step 7: Let It Rise — Then Let It Fall It sounds strange, but fighting panic often makes it worse. Instead, try: “Okay panic, do what you do. I’m going to breathe.” When you stop resisting, your body stops pushing back so hard. And the wave passes faster. After the Panic Attack: Take Care of Yourself Once it eases, give yourself time: Drink water Eat something light Take a slow walk Rest your mind for a bit And reflect gently: 👉 What was happening before it started? 👉 Was I overloaded, stressed, or pushing too hard? Panic attacks are often signals — not punishments. Important: Panic Attacks Don’t Define You You are not weak. You are not broken. You’re human — with a nervous system that sometimes works too hard. With the right tools, panic becomes less scary — and less frequent. Ask Yourself… What would change if panic didn’t control your day? How much calmer would life feel with real strategies? How would your work, relationships, and health improve? Sit with those for a moment. Because peace matters more than nonstop pressure. You Don’t Have to Handle Panic Alone If panic attacks are showing up more often — that’s your sign to get support, not to hide. And I’d love to help you build skills that work in real life. 👉 Click the link below and reach out to me. We’ll slow things down, identify triggers, and build tools that help you breathe easier — even on tough days. You deserve calm. You deserve clarity. You deserve a life that doesn’t feel like a constant emergency.