UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION THROUGH LIFE TRANSITIONS
Change can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Explore how depression can arise during life’s transitions and how support and self-care can lead to renewal.
Throughout life we go through lots of seasonal changes. Some bring great memorable moments of joy and excitement and while others come with uncertainty, pain and loss. For many, huge life transitions such as losing a loved one, retiring after decades of hard work, facing illness, or even being let go from one’s place of employment can shake the very foundations of one’s identity and purpose. In these moments, it’s common to experience sadness or grief. However, sometimes these feelings tend to deepen and linger, becoming something more than just a passing emotional response. This is where depression can quietly take root.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness or feeling low. It is a sustained state of emotional, mental and often physical exhaustion that affects how we think, feel and engage with the world around us. The World Health Organization describes depression as a common mental disorder made up of persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure and a decrease in energy, often accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite and concentration.
In simple terms, depression can feel like a heavy fog that tends to settle over one’s life. Dulling the colours of life, silencing life’s joy and making even small tasks feel like climbing a mountain, resulting in life feeling overwhelming. It's not a sign of weakness, but rather a signal that something deep within us is in need of care and attention.
Depression in Times of Transition
Transition can be emotionally complex because they often involve both endings and beginnings. For example:
Retirement may look like a reward after years of hard work and dedication, yet it can leave one feeling a loss of purpose or identity.
Losing a loved one can create an empty space that feels impossible to fill, leading to profound emotional pain.
Job loss or career change can bring uncertainty, fear, and a sense of failure even when circumstances are out of one’s control.
Illness may cause feelings of helplessness or frustration as one’s independence or sense of normality shifts.
These experiences can trigger natural grief responses, which can happen, but when sadness lingers for weeks or months, or when it disrupts daily functioning, it may signal the presence of depression.
Identifying the Signs
Depression often shows up differently from person to person, but common signs include:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in sleep or appetite
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fatigue or loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawal from family, friends or colleagues, sometimes people in general
Thoughts of hopelessness or in severe cases, self-harm
Identifying these signs early can be so helpful and make all the difference. Often depression is not immediately visible to others, it can exist behind a brave face, smiles, polite conversation, or the “busyness of life”. This makes self-awareness and honest self-reflection essential.
The Importance of Seeking Help
Depression is not something to snap out of or pull yourself toward yourself or get a grip. One should also not try to manage it on your own. It is both a psychological and a physiological condition often requiring compassionate support and at times, professional help. Speaking to a counselor, psychologist or your GP can open doors to healing and new coping strategies. This is where WealthUp is here to help. If you find yourself in a season like this, or recognise the signs of depression mentioned above, please reach out. We would be honoured to assist and connect you with one of our trusted, vetted counsellors or psychologists.
In addition to professional care, connection plays a vital role in recovery. Reaching out to family, friends, or a faith community can bring comfort and perspective. Sometimes, simply having someone listen to you without judgement can lift a tremendous weight.
Finding Hope and Healing
Recovery from depression doesn’t happen over night, but healing is absolutely possible. Small intentional steps like daily walks, breathing exercises, journaling, creative hobbies, or spiritual reflection, can slowly restore energy and hope.
Most importantly, we must remind ourselves that feeling low during times of major change does not mean you are broken; it means you are human. Transitions are part of life’s rhythm and even in the midst of pain, new meaning and growth can emerge.
Final thoughts
Depression is not the end of our story; it’s a chapter that invites understanding, compassion, and renewal. If you’ve ever or currently find yourself in this type of space, take heart: reaching out for help is an act of strength, not weakness. Acknowledging this is the first step in terms of moving forward. We must allow ourselves to be supported, and remember that with the right care and connection, light can return, even after the darkest season.
