Does feeling exhausted from life mean depression?

Generally speaking, whether feeling extremely tired with life indicates depression depends on specific symptoms, duration, and the extent of impact on daily functioning. If you are experiencing such difficulties, it is advisable to seek medical help promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If this sense of exhaustion lasts for more than two weeks and is accompanied by low mood, loss of interest, and disturbances in sleep or appetite, significantly affecting work, study, and social interactions, it may indicate depression. This kind of fatigue is not merely physical; rather, it reflects an emotionally driven state of mental and physical burnout that persists despite rest. Such symptoms should raise concern for depressive tendencies.

However, if the fatigue is short-term and results from excessive stress or overwork, with brief episodes of low mood that can be effectively relieved through rest or enjoyable activities, and does not interfere with normal daily life, it is likely not depression. This type of tiredness is a normal physiological response to a demanding lifestyle, and energy levels typically return after proper recovery—fundamentally different from the pathological fatigue seen in depression.

In daily life, maintaining regular sleep patterns and eating a balanced, light diet can help restore physical energy. Set aside time each day to engage in enjoyable activities to nurture emotional well-being. Share your feelings with trusted individuals to avoid bearing stress alone, and incorporate mild exercises such as walking or stretching to help release negative emotions. If feelings of fatigue and low mood worsen, seek professional psychological support promptly.