How can I tell if I have depression or just a bad week?

I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It’s completely understandable to wonder whether what you’re experiencing is just a temporary low or something more serious like depression. Here are some key points to help you reflect on your situation: 1. Duration and Frequency: If you’ve been feeling low for more than two weeks most days, this could indicate depression. A bad week typically has a more temporary impact on mood. 2. Impact on Daily Life: Consider whether your mood is affecting your daily activities, relationships, or work. Depression often interferes with the ability to function normally. 3. Physical Symptoms: Are you experiencing changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy levels? Depression can manifest as physical symptoms as well as emotional. 4. Loss of Interest: Have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Feeling indifferent about things you once found pleasurable is a common sign of depression. 5. Emotional Responses: Pay attention to your emotional responses. If you’re feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed, it might be more than just a bad week. 6. Isolation: Are you withdrawing from friends and family? Social isolation is often a sign of depression and can worsen feelings of loneliness. 7. Thought Patterns: Notice if you're experiencing negative thoughts about yourself or your future regularly. Persistent negative thinking can be a characteristic of depression. If you find that you resonate with several of these points, it might be a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional. Talking to someone who can help you process these feelings and possibly provide intervention is a positive step. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and you don’t have to go through this alone.