10/20/2025
From a trauma lens, depression is often a protective state, not a personal failure. When the nervous system has carried too much for too long, it may shift into low power to keep you alive. Think of it as the body saying rest until it feels safe again.
What this can feel like. Heavy body. Foggy thinking. Loss of joy. Pulling away. Shame that does not match the facts.
What is happening underneath. The stress system gets stuck on and off at the same time. The body turns down energy to limit overwhelm while the mind scans for danger. That tug of war is exhausting, not laziness.
Care plan for today. Choose one.
Breath with count. Inhale to five. Exhale to four. Repeat five times.
Light and nourishment. Two minutes of daylight and a snack with protein.
Safe connection. Send a truthful message to one trusted person.
Your symptoms make sense in context. We work at the speed of safety, with consent, choice, and collaboration.
