Things just seem “off” or “wrong.”

You don’t feel hopeful or happy about anything in your life.

You’re crying a lot for no apparent reason, either at nothing, or something that normally would be insignificant.

You feel like you’re moving (and thinking) in slow motion.

Getting up in the morning requires a lot of effort.

Carrying on a normal conversation is a struggle. You can’t seem to express yourself.

You’re having trouble making simple decisions.

Your friends and family really irritate you.

irritate you. You’re not sure if you still love your spouse/significant other.

Smiling feels stiff and awkward. It’s like your smiling muscles are frozen.

It seems like there’s a glass wall between you and the rest of the world.

You’re forgetful, and it’s very difficult to concentrate on anything.

You’re anxious and worried a lot.

Everything seems hopeless.

You feel like you can’t do anything right.

You have recurring thoughts of death and/or suicidal impulses. Suicide seems like a welcome relief.

You have a feeling of impending doom – you think something bad is going to happen, although you may not be sure what, and/or…

…You have a very specific fear that torments you constantly.

In your perception of the world around you, it’s always cloudy. Even on sunny days, it seems cloudy and gray.

You feel as though you’re drowning or suffocating.

You’re agitated, jumpy and anxious much of the time.

Your senses seem dulled; food tastes bland and uninteresting, music doesn’t seem to affect you, you don’t bother smelling flowers anymore.

Incessantly and uncontrollably into your mind comes the memory of every failure, every bad or uncomfortable experience, interview or date, like a torrent of negativity.

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You may also be interested in:

How Does Depression Affect Your Life?

What is Depression (and What is it Not)?

Reflections on Depression

You Can’t Fight Depression on Your Own

My Experience with Depression

Describing Depression to those Who’ve Never Had It

Please feel free to post your comment about what depression feels like. Please do not post:

Questions about depression and how to handle it. Go here for that.

Comments on how you think it should be managed, including finding God.

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