“Am I Depressed?” A Guide to Recognising Early Signs — and How Nature-Based Support Can Help
If you’ve found yourself wondering “Am I depressed?”, you’re absolutely not alone. It’s common to feel low, worn out or “not quite right” for days or even weeks — but when those feelings stick around and begin to interfere with life, they may be pointing to something more than a temporary slump. This blog is written for you: to help you spot the early signs of depression, and to explore how a fresh approach — through nature and outdoor guided therapy — may support your path to feeling better.
What is depression?
Depression is more than simply feeling sad or “down in the dumps” for a few days. According to the NHS overview of depression, it is a persistent low mood or loss of interest in things for weeks or months, rather than a short-lived period.
It is a recognised mental health condition — not a sign of weakness, and not something you should just “snap out of.” The World Health Organization describes depression as a common mental-health condition characterised by low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods.
Early Signs & Clues: How to spot it
Here are common signs that may suggest you’re experiencing more than just “feeling low.” These are not a diagnosis, but they can help you reflect and decide whether to seek support. For a fuller list, see the NHS symptoms page and Mind’s guide to recognising depression.
Emotional / mood-related clues:
• Lasting sadness, emptiness or “flat” mood that doesn’t shift.
• Feeling hopeless or helpless — like things won’t get better.
• A loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.
• Increased irritability, frustration, or low self-esteem (“I’m useless”, “I’m worthless”).
Behavioural / cognitive clues:
• Pulling away from socialising, avoiding friends or activities.
• Trouble making decisions, difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
• Sleeping too much or too little; changes in appetite or weight.
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope, or engaging in other unhelpful ways of dealing with mood.
Physical / body clues:
• Constant tiredness or low energy; aches or pains with no obvious cause.
• Feeling slowed down or restless. Eating less or more than usual.
Important timing clue:
If you’re feeling low for more than two weeks and your symptoms are interfering with work, home life or relationships, then it’s a strong sign to act. Medical News Today highlights that persistent fatigue, irritability and loss of motivation can be overlooked early signs.
What causes these early signs?
#Understanding what’s contributing can help you respond in a grounded way. Some common triggers and risk factors are described by the NHS causes of depression:
• Life events — death of a loved one, job loss, relationship breakdown, major transitions.
• Physical health issues — chronic illness, pain, hormonal changes (e.g. menopause), or medication side effects.
• Social factors — loneliness, isolation, lack of support or meaning.
• Psychological/biological factors — family history, personality style (self-critical, perfectionist), negative thought patterns.
“Am I depressed?” — What you can do now
If you’re recognising several of the above clues in yourself, here are helpful early steps you can take:
Talk to someone you trust: a friend, family member or partner.See your GP: they can rule out physical causes and direct you to talking therapies or other supports (NHS help page).Keep a mood journal: note how you feel, what you did, sleep and diet patterns.Move-and-Connect: physical activity + social connection = beneficial for mood.Nature as a soothing resource: spending time outdoors can support mental health and is under-utilised.Small behaviour changes: sleep hygiene, regular meals, reduced alcohol, manageable tasks.Be gentle with yourself: low mood is a signal to slow down, not a failure.
For further practical steps, see Mind’s self-care for depression.
How a nature-based approach can make a difference
At Minds in the Mountains – Nature-Based Wellbeing Walks, our guided therapy walks are designed to support people who are asking “Am I depressed?” by offering an alternative space: outdoors, moving gently, reflecting, reconnecting.
Why this works
• Nature has a grounding effect — being in fresh air, among trees and hills, helps regulate our nervous system and improve mood.
• Movement + reflection + connection means you’re doing more than simply walking — you’re taking a purposeful step towards clarity.
• Facilitated by a qualified mental-health nurse and forest therapist for gentle reflection without diagnosis.
• It’s a safe environment to explore the “Am I depressed?” question in your own way and pace.
What our sessions include
• 1-to-1 or small-group walks in the Lake District.
• Guided pause points for noticing how your body feels and what your thoughts are doing.
• Optional journalling or discussion prompts.
• Follow-up signposts to self-help or local services like your GP or talking therapy.
Who it’s for
• You if you’ve been wondering “Am I depressed?” and prefer exploring in nature rather than a clinic.
• You if you feel low, lacking joy, disconnected from activity but don’t yet have a diagnosis.
• You if you’re heading towards, or feeling close to, burnout.
• You if you value the outdoors and want a gentler approach to wellbeing.
When to seek immediate help
If you feel you need immediate help — for example you are struggling to cope, experiencing overwhelming distress, or thoughts about wanting to end your life — please seek urgent help right away. Call your GP, dial 111 (UK) or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK free number).
Final thoughts
If you’re asking “Am I depressed?”, you’re showing awareness and courage. The early signs aren’t always dramatic — sometimes it’s subtle, creeping in, eroding joy and energy. Recognising them is the first step. The second step is choosing to respond: whether it’s talking to your GP, exploring self-help, or stepping into nature with support.
At Minds in the Mountains we believe nature has a story to tell your mind. If you’re ready to explore, we’ll walk with you — slowly, gently, and with respect for your pace.
Bibliography / References
• NHS – Depression in adults – Overview
• NHS – Symptoms – Depression in adults
• Mind – What are the symptoms of depression?
• Mind – Self-care for depression
• NHS – Causes – Depression in adults