Understanding Depression: When the Weight You Carry Becomes Too Heavy
Updated: Sep 19
What depression really is
Depression is more than a low mood or a bad day. It’s a deep and often confusing experience that affects how we think, feel, and connect with others. For some, it shows up as sadness or hopelessness. For others, it’s a sense of emptiness, irritability, or simply feeling “switched off” from life.
You might find it hard to get out of bed, focus on tasks, or enjoy activities you once loved. Even surrounded by beauty, family, or success, something inside feels muted or lost.
Common signs and experiences
Depression can take many forms, but some common signs include:
Persistent sadness or emotional numbness
Loss of interest or pleasure in daily life
Low energy or constant fatigue
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
Withdrawal from relationships or activities
Thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore
If several of these resonate with you, you’re not alone, and help is available.
What causes depression?
There’s rarely a single cause. Depression often emerges from an interaction of different influences, biological, psychological, and social. These may include:
Stress and burnout, especially when you feel you must “hold it all together”
Unresolved grief or trauma, even from years ago
Early experiences of criticism or neglect that shape how you relate to yourself
Life transitions, such as relationship changes, relocation, or loss of purpose
Seasonal factors, like reduced daylight and long Alpine winters
Cultural isolation, common among expatriates and international professionals
Understanding the roots of depression can be a powerful first step toward healing.
How therapy can help
Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore what you’re feeling and why. It’s not about “fixing” you, it’s about understanding you. Through compassionate conversation and careful attention, psychotherapy can help you:
Make sense of your emotions and patterns
Identify internal pressures and self-criticism
Reconnect with your needs and desires
Strengthen self-compassion and resilience
Regain energy, perspective, and hope
In my practice, I work relationally, which means we focus not just on symptoms, but on your story, your relationships, and the ways you’ve learned to survive. Healing often begins with being truly seen and understood.
Taking the first step
If you recognise yourself in these words, reaching out for support is an act of courage, not weakness. Depression can make the world feel small and grey, but it is possible to find light and movement again.
If you are an English-speaking individual or couple living in France and considering therapy, contact me to find out if we are a good fit. I work in English and French, in person in Les Houches and online internationally.
Fleur Jaworski-Richards Fleur is a psychotherapeutic counsellor registered with the UKCP, BACP, IFAT, EATA, and IARTA, based in Les Houches in the Chamonix valley. She works bilingually in English and French with individuals and couples in person and online internationally, drawing on relational Transactional Analysis psychotherapy.
