Is It Just Stress—or Is It Depression?

By Dr. Styliani Spyridi, Psychiatrist | Psychiatry- cy, Limassol, Cyprus

“I’ve been really stressed at work, and now I feel emotionally flat. Is that depression?”

This is a question I hear often in my psychiatry practice in Limassol. If you’ve recently been overwhelmed and are now feeling unusually low, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.

Stress Can Mimic Depression

When the brain is constantly in “fight or flight” mode due to work pressure, family demands, or life transitions, it eventually hits a wall. This crash often feels like:

• Emotional exhaustion

• Detachment from your work or loved ones

• Trouble concentrating

• A heavy, low mood that doesn’t lift

This may be burnout, a stress response—not a mental illness, but still very serious.

But What If It Is Depression?

Prolonged burnout can evolve into depression, especially if you:

• Feel persistently sad or numb

• Struggle to find pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Experience changes in appetite or sleep

• Feel hopeless or emotionally stuck

Whether it’s burnout, depression, or both—they’re not signs of weakness. They’re signals your mind and body need rest, support, and care.

What Should You Do?

• Don’t minimize how you feel

• Speak to a trusted friend or professional

• Prioritize sleep, movement, and screen-free time

• Take breaks seriously—even short ones help reset your nervous system

• Consider professional mental health support

When to Seek Help

If low mood is lasting more than a few days, interfering with your focus or relationships, or making daily life harder—it’s time to talk to someone.

At our clinic in Limassol, Cyprus, we provide compassionate, evidence-based support for burnout, depression, and stress-related struggles.

Book a confidential consultation today

Because mental health deserves more than a “push through it” mindset.

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