If you’ve noticed that you’re feeling tired all of the time and are disinterested in people or any of your usual favorite activities, then you might be facing depression. Discovering this can make you feel more alone, but it’s not a problem that you should face alone. Realizing that you have depression is the first step towards getting help, along with the other 17 million Americans who have a major depressive disorder. Here are five signs that you may need help from a mental health professional to help you battle your depression.

Losing interests in most activities

If you’ve spoken with a professional at Clearwave Mental Health, they might have asked if you’ve lost interest in doing anything in your personal life. Depression makes it so that you stop caring about your favorite activities, spending time with friends, or doing any of your hobbies. You may feel like you don’t have the energy to do any of the things you’re used to doing every day.

Your weight and appetite have changed

This is more than just not feeling as hungry on a different day; this involves a drastic change in your diet, such as significant weight loss or gain. Increases or decreases in appetite on most days are common signs of depression, and you may notice that you’re changing what and how you eat. You may crave comfort foods more or choose not to eat at all because food doesn’t interest you.

Your energy reserves feel depleted

When you’re struggling with mental problems, then your body starts to feel it too. Depression tends to quickly drain your energy, leaving you with nothing you can use throughout the rest of your day. You may feel like you need to lie down more often, you move slower than usual, or you don’t want to do any exercise or household chores as you’re used to doing.

You feel hopeless most of the time

Your emotional life can make a drastic change when you’re dealing with depression. The most common symptoms include the inability to feel happiness or pleasure, or you have an overarching feeling of emptiness. Along with this comes increased anger and irritability, and a reduced sense of self-esteem.

You don’t sleep well

Depression tends to disrupt your sleep schedule, making it difficult for you to get a full night’s sleep. Insomnia is a common result, as well as hypersomnia (which is also called oversleeping). And because your brain isn’t sufficiently rested in either case, there is the risk of depression getting worse.

To better understand your depression, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional to receive a formal diagnosis. You’ll be evaluated and some tests can be conducted to determine the meaning behind your symptoms. If you receive a diagnosis of depression, you might be prescribed medications that can help, as well as a referral to a mental health professional such as a therapist. Don’t wait: it’s best to speak with your health provider as soon as possible if you believe that you might have the symptoms of depression.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.