Is It Time to Get Help for Your Depression? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Signs that therapy is benefiting your mental health—and how to tell if it’s time to make a change.

When you’re in the middle of a tough season, it can be hard to tell what’s normal and what’s not.

Life is full of ups and downs—and everyone feels sad or overwhelmed sometimes.

But if that heaviness doesn’t go away… or if it starts interfering with your daily life… it might be time to ask a bigger question:

“Is this depression? And should I get help?”

If you’ve ever wondered that, I want to offer some clarity. 

You don’t need to wait until things are “really bad” to talk to someone.

In fact, the sooner you reach out, the easier it can be to get back on track.

Here are 5 questions I encourage people to ask themselves when they’re trying to figure out whether it’s time to seek support.

1. Have I lost interest in things I used to enjoy?

This is a big red flag for depression. 

If hobbies, social time, or even small pleasures like reading or listening to music suddenly feel flat or pointless, your brain might be telling you something’s off.

You might notice:

• You stop texting friends back.

• You no longer care about your favorite shows or meals.

• You feel disconnected, even when doing something “fun.”

Depression often steals joy before we even realize it’s gone.

2. Am I more tired or withdrawn than usual?

Sure, we all get tired sometimes—but if you’re feeling constantly drained, sleeping more than usual (or struggling with insomnia), or pulling away from people, that could be depression showing up in your body and your relationships.

You might be:

• Canceling plans more often

• Struggling to get out of bed

• Feeling like you’re “just going through the motions”

Depression doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just quiet disconnection.

3. Are my thoughts getting darker or more self-critical?

One of the hardest parts of depression is how it changes the way we talk to ourselves.

If you’ve started thinking things like…

• “I’m a burden.”

• “Nothing’s ever going to change.”

• “I mess everything up.”

• “What’s the point?”

These thoughts aren’t the truth—they’re symptoms of something deeper. 

And they’re not something you have to keep carrying alone.

If your thoughts ever turn toward hopelessness or wishing you weren’t here, that’s a sign to reach out right away. 

There is help. There is hope. And you matter more than you know.

4. Is this lasting longer than two weeks?

A bad mood or a rough week happens to everyone. There is even seasonal depression.

But if you’ve been feeling this way for two weeks or more, it may be time to talk to a therapist or doctor.

Depression is more than a passing feeling. It lingers. It makes regular tasks harder. 

It zaps your motivation, your focus, and your ability to enjoy life. 

And the longer it goes untreated, the heavier it can get.

You don’t need to “wait it out.” Help is available right now.

5. Am I functioning—but just barely?

Sometimes, people think they’re not “depressed enough” to get help because they’re still getting to work or keeping up with the kids.

 But functioning doesn’t mean thriving.

If you’re dragging yourself through the day, running on empty, and holding it all together with invisible tape and glue—that’s not nothing. 

That’s survival mode. And you don’t have to stay stuck there.

Therapy isn’t just for people who are falling apart. It’s for people who want more.

More energy. More clarity. More connection. More life.

What If I’m Not Sure?

It’s okay to not have all the answers yet. 

If these questions stirred something in you—or if you’ve been wondering about your mental health for a while—it might be time to talk to someone who can help you sort it out.

That doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re self-aware. And brave enough to care for yourself.

At MCC, we help people understand their symptoms, unpack what’s going on underneath, and build practical tools to feel better over time. 

You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to wait until you’re at rock bottom.

Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation today. Let’s talk about what you’re carrying—and how we can lighten the load together.