6 Signs You’re Making Progress in Your Depression Journey

I have lived with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for a long time. When depression strikes, I literally feel like I am going through life while in a black hole. We are generally aware of depression’s warning signs. However, this article is meant to shed light on how to tell you’re making progress in your depression journey. I will outline six signs of depression recovery. These signs are not in a particular order.

1. Your sleep cycle returns to baseline

MDD and insomnia often occur together. In some cases, hypersomnia may be experienced. I personally battle insomnia and it can be brutal. It feels impossible to go to sleep. When I do fall asleep, it is for no more than three hours straight. When I can resume my “normal” sleep schedule, that is my sign that things are improving. This is even more true if I wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. When your quality of sleep improves, this is usually one of the first signs of depression recovery.

2. Your appetite returns to normal

When I battle MDD, my appetite is usually diminished. I can go all day without eating anything. My body does not have the urge to eat. Eventually, this leads me to lose a substantial amount of weight. On the flip side, it is also common for people to eat more than they usually do. Depression is a unique experience to the individual going through it. When I start craving food again, and I am actually able to enjoy whatever I’m eating, that is a sign that my personal signs of depression recovery are beginning to show.

3. You have more energy

In the midst of an episode, I am so exhausted I can’t get out of bed. When I do force myself out of bed, I feel like a zombie. For me, it is the same exhaustion I feel when I have the flu. My exhaustion feeds my depression and vice versa. However, this does not last forever. Eventually, it gets easier to start my day. When the depressive fog lifts, I am able to return to my responsibilities. For instance, I have the energy to resume my daily routine. I have the energy to walk my dog and focus on academics. When my energy improves, this is normally my biggest clue that I am making progress on my depression journey.

4. No more brain fog

Brain fog is the most frustrating symptom for me. I struggle with brain fog the most, and sometimes it gets out of hand. It is downright embarrassing when I draw a blank in front of people, especially my peers and strangers I encounter. No amount of caffeine helps when it is at its worst. In addition, my brain fog makes me incredibly forgetful. When my brain fog improves, I can truly focus on things like academics and work.

5. Improvement in self-maintenance

A common problem many of us with MDD struggle with is a lack of interest in our physical appearance. Depression is outright exhausting and it makes seemingly mundane tasks feel impossible. We lack the energy and oftentimes aren’t getting enough nourishment and sleep. Naturally, this will affect our physical appearance. Again, it is unique to the individual. However, it can feel daunting to keep up with our appearance. It can be hard for us to shower, let alone wear nice clothes and do our makeup. Men go through this too. It’s not that we don’t care, it's that we do not have the energy. When interest in yourself returns, this is a major sign of progress.

6. You stop isolating

It is understandable to isolate when experiencing MDD. Depression can cause some of us to feel irritable or on the verge of tearfulness (or, both). In addition, being around others can feel mentally draining and can trigger feelings of anxiety. If you notice the above signs of improvement in yourself, you will naturally feel like socializing again.

I hope this article can help someone out there who may be wondering what depression recovery looks like. Recognizing the signs of depression recovery is an individual experience, it is not black-and-white. In addition, you can be depressed and still have the ability to function (called “high functioning depression”).

The bottom line is, when you start feeling like yourself again your depression is likely improving. Feelings of joy will eventually make a comeback into your life. When you begin smiling a genuine smile and feel a newfound sense of hope, that is how you know you are finally on the road to recovery. It might not seem possible while in the midst of a depressive episode, but eventually your inner sparkle will return.