Am I Depressed? Signs, Symptoms, and High-Functioning Depression Explained

What does depression actually feel like? In this special crossover episode with Recoverable , Terry interviews licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez about what depression really looks like — beyond the stereotypes. They discuss: Why depression doesn’t always look like sadness The difference between laziness and clinical depression What high-functioning depression is (and why it can be dangerous) Early warning signs to watch for Why depression can show up “for no reason” The lies depression tells about worth and value How medication, therapy, and contrary action save lives Aja describes depression as: A “warm, heavy weighted blanket” Moving through mud Emotional numbness Irritability instead of sadness Loss of joy (anhedonia) A whisper that isolation is the answer She shares her lived experience of attempting suicide at 26 despite appearing successful, driven, and high-achieving — a powerful reminder that depression often hides behind productivity and perfection. This conversation breaks down stigma, clarifies clinical definitions, and offers practical guidance for recognizing depression early — in yourself or someone you love. Depression is real. It is a medical condition. And it is treatable. Primary Topics Covered: What depression feels like Signs and symptoms of depression Am I depressed or just lazy? High-functioning depression Why depression can appear “for no reason” Depression vs. grief Early warning signs and prevention Contrary action and wellness plans Medication and therapy Suicide attempt recovery Mental health stigma Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and crossover format explanation 02:57 – What does depression feel like? 04:13 – How depression shows up in teens and adults 05:35 – Am I depressed or just lazy? 08:28 – Is depression a medical condition? 09:39 – Different types of depression 11:49 – How do you know if you’re depressed? 14:25 – Early experiences of depression 18:22 – From numbness to suicide attempt 24:03 – Hospitalization and beginning recovery 27:29 – High-functioning depression explained 29:28 – Depression vs. laziness (internet’s top question) 32:16 – Clinical signs of depression 34:39 – Recognizing personal early warning signs 38:23 – What to do when you notice symptoms 41:17 – Why high-functioning depression can be dangerous 43:45 – “Why am I depressed for no reason?” 46:18 – Self-worth and depression’s lies 50:16 – Why talking about depression saves lives Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com Facebook Community: Terry's LinkedIn:

You can listen to Am I Depressed? Signs, Symptoms, and High-Functioning Depression Explained online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Am I Depressed? Signs, Symptoms, and High-Functioning Depression Explained is an episode from Giving Voice to Depression by Recovery.com - Depression Help & Support.

This episode is 52:56 long.

This episode was published on Apr 28, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Giving Voice to Depression when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.