Depression can feel heavy, confusing, and sometimes impossible to explain. It can
feel like you have all these hopes, dreams, and goals, but somehow you keep falling
short. It often feels like failure is all around you. You may feel like you are drowning,
but there isn’t the energy to move your arms or legs to come up for air. You feel
paralyzed even though, deep down, you know you could take a step. Sometimes it
feels like you are watching yourself from outside your body, lying there in the dark,
numb to everything around you. You might stop trying altogether, feeling like there is
no point. For many young adults, it is not just sadness. It can show up as exhaustion,
numbness, or feeling like nothing matters. You might find yourself withdrawing from
friends, losing interest in hobbies, or struggling to get through everyday tasks.
You are not alone. Nearly one in three young adults between 18 and 25 experiences
a major depressive episode each year. Many are navigating the same overwhelming
feelings you might be facing right now.
What It Feels Like
Depression is not always dramatic. Sometimes it shows up quietly:
-You cannot focus or find motivation, even for things you used to enjoy
-You feel empty, hopeless, or constantly anxious
-Sleep or appetite changes without a clear reason
-You pull back from friends and activities, even though you want connection
It is easy to tell yourself you are just stressed or overreacting. But persistent changes
like this are signals, not failures.
Why This Stage Feels So Hard
Being a young adult comes with constant change. College, new jobs, relationships,
financial pressures, and planning for the future all pile up. Social media can make it
feel like everyone else has it together, even though most people are struggling too.
For some, old wounds or unresolved feelings from the past resurface, making this
stage even harder.
Small Steps You Can Take
Even on days when everything feels heavy, small steps can make a difference:
-Try to keep a routine, even if it is simple, like waking up at the same time or
taking a short walk
-Reach out to a friend or family member you trust, even if it feels hard
-Write down your thoughts or feelings, which can help make them feel more
manageable
Set small goals for yourself, like completing one task, cooking a meal, or
leaving the house
When It Feels Like Too Much
Feeling like this does not mean there is something wrong with you. Many young
adults find that talking to someone who understands can help make sense of the
heaviness. If it ever feels like too much, talking with a licensed professional can
really help. Some young adults in Arlington, Alexandria, and the surrounding
Northern Virginia area have found support with someone like Dr. Mary Lindahl, who
provides a safe and understanding space.
A skilled therapist can help you:
-Understand your feelings without judgment
-Learn practical ways to manage difficult emotions
-Start to notice moments of relief or hope, even on tough days
-Explore patterns that keep depression in place
Therapy is not about fixing you instantly. It is about giving yourself permission to be
heard, understood, and supported while you figure things out at your own pace.
You Do Not Have to Face This Alone
Depression can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Reaching out even just for a
conversation can start to lift some of the weight. Every small step matters. You
deserve support, understanding, and the chance to feel more like yourself again.