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Am I Depressed or Lazy? Knowing the Differences

You’re always tired, even after you’ve had an excessive amount of sleep, and you sometimes struggle to summon the motivation to get out of bed and get on with your day. You’ve begun to wonder, am I depressed or lazy? And how can I tell the difference?

What Is Depression?

From a clinical perspective, the term depression can refer to several conditions. For example, the Depressive Disorders section of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) contains entries for:

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Persistent depressive disorder
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
  • Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder
  • Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
  • Other specified depressive disorder
  • Unspecified depressive disorder

Many of these disorders share several characteristics. The primary differences among them are when symptoms begin, how long they last, and how intense they become.

Common depression symptoms include:

  • Pervasive sadness 
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Low energy and motivation
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Diminished interest in significant activities
  • Appetite change and resultant unintentional weight gain or loss
  • Abnormal sleep patterns, which can include either insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Persistent sense of emptiness or worthlessness
  • Recurrent thoughts of death and dying
  • Suicidal ideation

Depression Affects About 5% of Adults Worldwide

If you have depression, you are not alone. Depressive disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States and across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • About 280 million people have a depressive disorder.
  • Depression affects about 5% of adults, including 6% of women and 4% of men.
  • About 10% of people who have recently given birth experience symptoms of depression.

[Recommended: “Mental Health Statistics in Georgia“]

Am I Depressed or Lazy?

Reading through the list of common depression symptoms in the previous section, it’s easy to see how depression can be confused with laziness, and vice-versa. Sleeping too much, lacking motivation, and having little desire to participate in important activities can be symptomatic of depression. They can also look a lot like laziness. 

Am I Depressed or Lazy?: Self-Assessment

The best way to get a definitive answer to the question, “Am I depressed or lazy?” is to schedule an assessment with your primary physician or a reputable mental health treatment provider.

If you’re on the fence about scheduling an assessment, your answers to the following questions can help you decide:

  • Do you feel sad every now and then, or virtually all the time? Just about everyone has difficult days or an occasional cases of the blues. The symptoms of depressive disorders, on the other hand, are typically persistent, lasting most of the day for most days.
  • Are you comfortable with your current state, or do you wish you had more energy and motivation? If you’re happy sitting on the couch and watching TV every day, you might be lazy. If you really want to get up and get moving, but you’re simply unable to do so, you may be dealing with depression.
  • Are you able to focus and concentrate? Spending a lazy day reading a book, cooking, or making art can be both healthy and rewarding. But if you can’t maintain the necessary attention to participate in these or other activities, depression may be to blame.
  • Have you been struggling to perform to your full capacity in school or at work? The symptoms of depression can undermine a person’s ability to function in one or more important areas of life. If you’ve experienced an unintentional decline in performance, or if the quality of your relationships has been negatively impacted, depression may be the culprit.
  • Do you ever wish you had never been born, or that you could simply disappear? Thoughts like these are sometimes referred to as passive suicidal ideation. Even if you haven’t made a plan or taken active steps to end your life, considering suicide or frequently thinking about death can be a warning sign of depression.

Important note: If you believe that you are at risk of suicide, please get help immediately. In the United States, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either online or by calling or texting 988.

Also, please note that the questions in this section are not a substitute for being assessed by a qualified professional. 

If you really want an answer to the question, “Am I depressed or lazy,” you should schedule an assessment. If that evaluation reveals that you have a depressive disorder or another condition, you will have the information you need to begin evaluating appropriate treatment options.

Treatment Options for Depression

Depressive disorders are treatable conditions – but not every type of treatment works for every patient. This is why it is so important to find a treatment provider that will closely review your history, needs, and goals, and then develop a customized plan just for you.

Depending on your unique circumstances, you may benefit from both medication and therapy.

Several prescription medications have proved to be effective at alleviating many common symptoms of depression. It can sometimes take a bit of trial and error to determine which medication and dosage level is right for you, which is another important reason to take the time to find a treatment provider that you trust.

The therapeutic component of depression treatment can include a variety of services and approaches, such as:

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact they have had on your life, you may benefit from spending time in one or more of the following programs:

Untreated depression can be devastating. But with the right care, a concerted effort, and sustained support, you can experience relief from your symptoms and start living a more hopeful and satisfying life.

[Recommended: “Can You Go to Rehab for Depression?“

Learn More About Depression Treatment in Atlanta

Peachtree Wellness Solutions is a trusted provider of comprehensive depression treatment in Atlanta, Georgia. 

When you choose our center, you can receive customized services from a team of skilled and experienced professionals. We understand the many ways that depressive disorders can impact a person’s life, and we will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that aligns with your history, needs, and goals.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.