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

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