Davis Behavioral Health

For parents, summer seriously throws off the routines that keep the family grounded! If you’re feeling lost, try anchoring your day with just one consistent habit, like a regular wake time or a short walk after dinner.

Depression creates one of the cruelest paradoxes. You need support, but reaching out feels impossible! If you've been avoiding texts, canceling plans or isolating yourself while simultaneously feeling lonely, you're experiencing something completely normal for depression. 💭

This internal conflict often sounds like, “I wish someone would check on me” while also thinking “Please don't ask me to hold a conversation.”

The hardest part is that when you're depressed, socializing genuinely does take more energy. Your brain is working harder to process conversation, read social cues and maintain the interaction.

So, the exhaustion you feel is definitely real!

What helps is finding middle ground. You don't have to choose between complete isolation and full social engagement.

Try low-pressure connection that doesn't demand much from you. Sit in the same room with someone while you both do separate activities. Or take a walk with someone who's comfortable with silence.

If you have people who care about you, consider telling them directly, “I'm struggling right now and I might not respond quickly, but I still want to hear from you.”

You're not a villain or selfish for feeling this way. Depression makes connection harder, and that's part of the condition, not a reflection of who you are!