What Depression Feels Like​

Emma sat across from me, her shoulders slumped as if she carried an invisible weight. Her eyes had lost their light, and she spoke softly, struggling to find the energy to even describe how she felt. “It’s like I’m drifting,” she said. “Nothing feels real anymore—not even me.” She wasn’t just sad; she was utterly disconnected, like a piece of herself had slipped away, leaving behind a shell of who she once was.

For Emma, depression wasn’t just about feeling down; it was an endless void, a place where time lost meaning, and the days blurred together. She described it as a thick fog that slowly seeped into every corner of her life, numbing her joy and weighing down her soul, leaving her hopeless and helpless. Her relationships suffered, her sense of purpose faded, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t find a way out.

Depression and Empathy

As we delved into Emma’s story, it became clear that her personal struggles contributed to her depression, but her identity as an empath added a complex layer that she was initially unaware of.

For empaths, depression can be intensified by their heightened sensitivity to emotional and energetic currents in their environment. This sensitivity allows empaths to feel the subtle nuances of energy—whether joy, sorrow, or tension—often without realizing it.

This deep perception creates challenges in maintaining emotional peace. Emma frequently absorbed the energy around her, making it difficult to distinguish her own emotions from those of others and unable to cope with the weight of it all. This led to emotional overwhelm, which caused an unintentional emotional shutdown, ultimately resulting in disconnection from her inner truth.

In addition, Emma found herself in a vicious cycle; her empathic nature created a profound connection to others but also left her feeling deeply isolated. While she longed to support those around her, this desire often left her depleted, as she struggled to honour her own needs. This imbalance contributed to confusion and despair, intensifying her depression.

She longed to reconnect with her essence, find clarity amidst the emotional chaos, and reclaim her joy.

What is your depression really telling you?

This struggle is common among many empaths, where the world can feel overwhelmingly chaotic, leaving them emotionally drained and out of alignment—a state many, like Emma, do not even realize they are in.

Depression, in this context, is a signal—your soul’s cry for reconnection, healing, and wholeness. But is healing really possible? 

The answer lies in the depths of your soul, in the tender parts of your being that have been ignored, when you take a holistic and natural mind, body and soul approach to healing.

Will Depression Ever Go Away?

Depression is a complicated emotional condition that can seem unrelenting and all-consuming. Many people who encounter it frequently question whether it will ever go away. The journey toward healing can be long and challenging. 

Healing requires more than seeking quick fixes; it calls for you to dive deeply into unresolved emotional wounds, trauma, and other factors that may be holding you back. The power to heal lies within you, through compassion and commitment to yourself. 

Several effective conventional approaches exist, including psychotherapy, medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications. These methods can provide valuable support in navigating the challenges of depression and creating emotional well-being. For those deeply struggling, this is a good starting point.

Additionally, natural and holistic remedies can be used, which I recommend either in conjunction with conventional methods or as an initial approach for mild cases.

It’s important to recognize that recovery is a process that takes patience, self-compassion, and support. While it may feel as though depression will never lift, with the right tools and support, you can reclaim their joy, purpose, and emotional well-being. The journey involves not only addressing the symptoms of depression but also embracing healing practices that nurture both the mind and body.

Empathic Depression?

As an empath, you may wonder if depression will ever go away, and the answer is nuanced. As empaths, there is you and a layer of empathic depression.

Empathic depression is a term I use to describe a layer of depression influenced by being an empath—the emotions, or even the depressive energy, that we absorb from others This type of depression is unique to empaths, often stemming from taking on the emotional weight of those around us. It leads to feelings of sadness, overwhelm, and confusion that may not even belong to us. When theser emotions become too overwhelming, they can manifest as depression, clouding our sense of self and disconnecting us from our inner truth.

In essence, the sensitivity that defines your empathetic nature can make the weight of the world feel even heavier. Unlike others, empaths often feel the collective pain of those around them, which can amplify their own struggles. This heightened sensitivity can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, intensifying feelings of despair and hopelessness.

The good news is that depression can be managed for empaths, but the process requires a different approach. Healing for empaths involves honouring your sensitivity while learning to protect your energy. This means developing healthy boundaries and practices that allow you to nurture yourself while still being present for others.

While the journey may be challenging, remember that depression is not a permanent state. By nurturing your spirit and honouring your sensitivity, you can gradually release the burdens that have weighed you down, allowing you to emerge from the shadows and embrace a brighter, more fulfilling life.

What is the root cause of my depression?

The good news is that you can uncover the root cause of your depression.

Inner Child and Depression

For many empaths, the journey to healing depression often begins by exploring emotional wounds that have accumulated over time, especially those rooted in childhood.

Since the Inner Child preserves memories and feelings that may have been repressed, it is the key to comprehending these underlying problems. You can start addressing unresolved trauma and feelings of inadequacy that contribute to sadness by accepting and valuing this aspect of yourself.

Embracing your Inner Child requires compassion and validation of your emotions, allowing you to explore the feelings and experiences that may still influence your current state. 

As you nurture your Inner Child, you create space for healing and transformation, gradually dismantling the beliefs that contribute to your depression. In this way, you reconnect with your true essence, paving the way for joy and emotional balance.

How to come out of depression naturally?

Healing depression, especially for empaths, involves a holistic approach, addressing both the root causes and integrating alternative medciine methods that nurture the mind, body, and soul. 

Here are a few that I use in my practice.

Depression and Energy Healing

Energy healing offers a powerful pathway to alleviate emotional overwhelm. Techniques such as Reiki, aura cleansing and chakra balancing—practices that focus on clearing and balancing the body’s energy—can help clear the stagnant energy that empaths often absorb from their surroundings. 

By releasing this accumulated energy, you can return to your true essence, nurturing a sense of calm and emotional clarity. Energy healing helps you process and let go of emotions not just from your own experiences but also those you’ve unconsciously taken on from others, allowing for a more balanced emotional state.

Plant-Based Diet and Depression

Another crucial component of healing is adopting a plant-based, earth-aligned lifestyle. In addition to providing your body with nourishment, a diet high in whole, plant-based foods also helps you to harmonize with the cycles of the earth. 

Fresh and colorful foods can improve your mood and give you the vital nutrients that promote mental well-being. Additionally, you can better understand the cycles of nature by include seasonal foods in your meals.

Empathic Life Skills and Depression

Empathic Life skills are vital for navigating the emotional landscape of being an empath. Learning to set healthy boundaries, practice self-care, and engage in mindful communication can greatly reduce the emotional burden you may carry. 

These skills empower you to manage your sensitivities and create a balanced life that honours your unique gifts without becoming overwhelmed.

Reconnecting with the Body and depression

Reconnecting with the body is equally important in your healing journey. Engaging in body-centred practices like yoga, dance, or somatic therapies can help you become more attuned to your physical sensations and emotions. This reconnection fosters greater self-awareness and enables you to listen to your body’s needs, promoting overall well-being.

Depression: how to overcome

This is exactly what I did with Emma. We engaged in deep Inner Child work to heal her depression. As we delved into her feelings, Emma began to acknowledge and express emotions she had long suppressed. It was transformative to witness her gradually reconnect with her true self, nurturing the part of her that had been seeking validation and love. We also focused on nutrition, coping mechanisms specifically designed for empaths, and energy management practices.

During one session, Emma said, “For the first time, I feel like I can see the light. It’s like I’m finally learning how to breathe again.” This breakthrough moment highlighted the progress she was making in understanding her emotions and how to manage them effectively.

Through this journey, Emma discovered powerful coping strategies that helped her navigate daily challenges. She learned to support her body, both physically and emotionally, leading to a renewed sense of vitality. With each session, Emma flourished, shedding the heaviness of her past and embracing a brighter future. Her transformation was not just about alleviating symptoms; it was about reclaiming her joy and purpose, allowing her to live fully in the present. Emma’s journey is confirmation to the profound impact of Inner Child healing, showing that recovery is possible and that hope can blossom from within.

Depression to Happiness

Depression may feel like a dark tunnel, but know that there is a way through it—a path leading to the light at the end. As an empath, you have a unique path to healing—one that involves reconnecting with your soul. Healing depression is about more than just managing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming the parts of yourself that have been lost along the way.

By healing your Inner Child, nurturing your empathic nature, and using energy healing to release the burdens that are not yours, you can transform from depression to happiness. This journey is not only spiritual but deeply personal, guiding you toward a life brimming with peace, joy, and alignment with your soul’s true purpose.

Important note: If you’re currently on medication or receiving treatment for depression, please continue following your healthcare provider’s guidance as part of your overall healing. And if you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, it’s okay to reach out for professional support—your well-being matters.

As an empath, you are not meant to carry the weight of the world. Your sensitivity is your gift, but to truly thrive, you must learn to nurture yourself, protect your energy, and reconnect with the deepest parts of your soul. Through this process, you will find that depression can be healed, and happiness is not just possible—it is your natural state.

As an empath, your sensitivity is a beautiful gift that enhances your connection to the world bringing you joy. If you’re ready to embrace healing and step into a life filled with joy and purpose, reach out today to begin your personalized journey.