When Clouds Gather: Navigating the Storm of Depression

By: Elisabeth Plutko, COO & Co-Founder – Revelations Counseling & Wellness

Some days, life feels clear and bright. Other days, a fog rolls in—quietly, almost unnoticed—until everything feels heavier, darker, and harder to face. This fog is like a storm that can settle over anyone, at any age. Children, teens, and adults can all experience depression, sometimes unexpectedly, other times building slowly over time.

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can cloud thoughts, drain energy, and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Just as a storm makes it hard to see the road ahead, depression can make the future feel uncertain and distant.

Why Do People Become Depressed?

What triggers depression in one person may not affect another the same way. For some, it can follow major life events, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, moving, or a job change. 

For others, ongoing stress, academic pressure, chronic illness, or family challenges can contribute. Biological factors, like changes in brain chemistry, hormones, and genetics, also play a role. Understanding this helps us see depression as a health condition, not a personal weakness.

Recognizing the Signs

Depression can look different from person to person, but common indicators include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in sleep—too little or too much

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Changes in appetite

• Withdrawal from friends or family

  
  

Steps Toward HealingEven small steps can help calm the storm:

• Talk to someone. Sharing feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or professional may bring relief and perspective

• Keep a routine. Structured sleep, meals, and daily activity help restore balance when life feels chaotic.

• Spend time outdoors. Natural light and fresh air can lift mood and energize the body.

• Write it down. Journaling thoughts and feelings can help organize emotions and offer clarity.

• Seek professional support. Counselors, therapists, and healthcare providers offer guidance, coping strategies, and ongoing support.

  
  

Depression is not a personal failing—it is a human experience. Like any storm, it eventually passes. With support, care, and connection, brighter days are possible.

At Revelations Counseling & Wellness, we provide counseling for children, teens, and adults. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available—you don’t have to face the storm alone.