Depression: What It Is, Common Myths, and How It’s Diagnosed

Depression is one of the most talked-about mental health conditions and one that is often misunderstood.

Many people think depression simply means feeling sad, but for those experiencing it, depression can affect energy, motivation, sleep, thinking, and how connected someone feels to themselves and others.

Understanding what depression really is, and how it’s diagnosed, can help reduce shame and make it easier to reach out for support.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and functions in daily life.

Some people experience persistent sadness, while others feel numb, empty, irritable, or emotionally “flat”. Many describe feeling exhausted, overwhelmed by small tasks, or disconnected from things that usually matter to them.

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone and it doesn’t always look the way people expect.

 Common Myths About Depression

There are several myths that often stop people from recognising depression or seeking help:

• “Depression is just sadness.”
  In reality, many people with depression feel numb, exhausted, or disconnected rather than just sad.

• “If you’re functioning, you can’t be depressed.”
  Many people continue to work, care for others, and meet expectations while struggling internally.

• “You just need to think positively.”
  Depression isn’t caused by a lack of gratitude or effort, and positive thinking alone doesn’t make it go away.

These misunderstandings can increase shame and make people feel they can’t reach out for help or have to just try to manage it alone.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Mental health professionals use diagnostic guidelines (such as the DSM-5 or ICD-10) to help understand whether someone may be experiencing depression. These guidelines aren’t about putting labels on people, they’re tools to help ensure the right kind of support is offered.

In very simple terms, depression is diagnosed when someone has been experiencing a pattern of symptoms, most days, for at least two weeks, and those symptoms are having a significant impact on daily life.

What does that actually mean?

Usually, a person will be experiencing low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure, alongside several of the following:

• Feeling low, empty, numb, or tearful most of the day

• Losing interest in things that used to matter or feel enjoyable

• Ongoing tiredness or lack of energy, even after rest

• Changes in sleep (sleeping much more or much less than usual)

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions

• Feeling worthless, excessively guilty, or like a burden

• Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and agitated inside

• Thoughts about death, or feeling that life isn’t worth living

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and they can vary in intensity. Someone may still appear “high-functioning” on the outside while feeling deeply unwell internally.

What a Diagnosis Is (and Isn’t)

Being diagnosed with depression does not mean:

• You’re weak

• You’ve failed

• Your feelings aren’t understandable

A diagnosis is simply a shared language that can help people make sense of their experiences and access appropriate support.

Equally, you don’t need a diagnosis to deserve help. If things have felt heavy, flat, or exhausting for a while, that alone is enough reason to reach out.

 What Support Can Help?

Support for depression is not one-size-fits-all. It may include:

• Talking therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), or integrative approaches (which means drawing ideas from a few different therapies to best fit what someone needs).

• Medication, for some people, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe.

• Lifestyle and routine support, including sleep, structure, and gentle reconnection.

• Understanding and compassion, both from others and towards yourself.

Recovery doesn’t always mean “feeling happy”. It often it means feeling more like yourself again.

A Gentle Final Word

Depression is not a personal failing.
It’s not something you choose.
And it’s not something you have to face alone.

If any part of this article resonates, support is available and things can change, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.

At The Light Side, we offer compassionate, evidence-based psychological support. If you’d like to explore your options, we’re here.

If You’re in Crisis or Need Urgent Support

The Light Side is unable to provide crisis support. If you or someone you know is struggling right now, you don’t have to face it alone.

If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to your local A&E.

If you need urgent mental health support but it’s not an emergency:

• NHS 111 (press 2)
  You can access your local NHS urgent mental health helpline 24/7 for advice, support, and crisis care.

• Samaritans
  Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
  Or email jo@samaritans.org
  Available for anyone who needs to talk, about anything.

• Shout
  Text SHOUT to 85258
  Free, confidential text support 24/7 for moments of crisis.

• GP or Mental Health Team
  If you’re under the care of a GP or mental health service, they can help you access urgent or ongoing support.

Reaching out for help in a crisis isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that you’re taking yourself seriously.