What Does Depression Really Feel Like? A Therapist Answers.
Q: How does depression typically show up for people?
Brooke: It can look really different from person to person. Some people feel a deep low mood, while others feel flat or numb. There’s often a loss of motivation, trouble concentrating, guilt, an inability to experience pleasure, difficulty making decisions, and/or a sense of hopelessness - like you can’t imagine things getting better. For many, there’s also physical fatigue, appetite or sleep changes, or just this sense of emotional heaviness that makes it hard to function. It can also include experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Q: Are there symptoms people might not realize are linked to depression?
Brooke: Absolutely. Irritability is a big one. People can feel short-tempered, impatient, or even angry - and not always realize it’s connected to depression. There can also be a kind of shutdown - pulling away from others, withdrawing from daily life, or feeling disconnected. Some folks stop enjoying things they used to care about. Even habits like mindless scrolling or staying in bed all day can be ways of coping that signal something deeper going on.
Q: How do you approach therapy for depression?
Brooke: I start by really getting to know the person - their history, their current stressors, and how depression is showing up in their life. We talk about how they’ve handled challenges in the past and explore how they relate to themselves and others. Therapy isn’t just about managing symptoms - it’s about understanding what’s causing the depression and identifying changes that feel possible and meaningful.
Q: What helps people begin to move out of a depressive state?
Brooke: One thing I often use is behavioral activation. When someone’s feeling really low, doing something small - like getting out of bed, taking a walk, or talking to a friend - can actually improve mood, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Depression distorts how we see things, so therapy also helps challenge those distortions and reconnect people with parts of themselves that have gone quiet.
Brooke Pomerantz, LCSW, is a licensed therapist based in Oakland, with 18 years of experience. This Q&A was recorded during a live interview on Wednesday, June 26, 2025. Brooke is serving clients across California, New York, and Indiana. She works with adults navigating depression, burnout, and identity-related challenges.
Explore Brooke’s full therapy practice here »
Learn more about depression therapy with Brooke »Brooke Pomerantz, LCSW
Psychotherapy, Supervision, and Consultation
Licensed in CA, NY, and IN
(415) 832-0767
brookepomerantz.com
