Let’s be honest—when you’re feeling low, it’s hard to think clearly, let alone motivate yourself to “do the work” to feel better. Depression can show up as sadness, numbness, irritability, or just plain exhaustion. And when it does, it often feels like you’re stuck in a fog with no way out.
: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
Depression isn’t just “in your head”—it’s often a sign that something deeper is wrong in your body, your environment, or your life. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, asking yourself the right questions can help you gently reconnect to what you need without judgment or pressure.
Here are a few questions that we’ve found can actually help when you’re feeling down.
- How’s my body feeling right now?
Before diving into thoughts or feelings, take a minute to check in physically. Are you feeling heavy? Tense? Tired? Foggy?
Depression can sometimes be rooted in underlying physical issues like nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or hormone imbalances. Your body might be asking for help—just in a quiet way.
At functional medicine Sherman Oaks, we often see patients who feel “off” emotionally, only to discover that their thyroid, gut, or iron levels are out of balance.
- Have I eaten anything nourishing today?
Sometimes, when you’re feeling low, food is the last thing on your mind—or you end up reaching for sugar or carbs just to feel something.
But your brain needs real fuel. Protein, healthy fats, omega-3s, and B vitamins— all play a role in mood and emotional health.
You don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight. Just start with one small, nourishing choice. Even a smoothie or a warm bowl of soup can make a difference.
- Am I sleeping okay?
Sleep and mood are deeply connected. When you’re not sleeping well, it’s harder to regulate emotions, focus, or even function during the day.
Ask yourself:
- Am I falling asleep easily?
- Am I waking up still tired?
- Is my sleep schedule all over the place?
If sleep has been off, that could be a big piece of the puzzle. We often support clients with simple, natural strategies to reset sleep patterns, which can have a big impact.
- Could something deeper be going on in my body?
If you’ve been feeling low for a while, it might be time to dig a little deeper.
Some things we check for at Functional Medicine Los Angeles and functional medicine Studio City include:
- Thyroid imbalances
- Adrenal (cortisol) issues
- Blood sugar swings
- Nutrient deficiencies (like Vitamin D, magnesium, B12)
- Gut health problems that can affect mood
You’re not imagining it. Sometimes depression is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not working right in here.”
- When was the last time I really connected with someone?
Depression often pulls us into isolation—but that only makes things worse. Connection doesn’t have to mean deep conversations or going to a party. It can be as simple as:
- Texting a friend
- Sitting with someone without talking
- Saying hi to a neighbor
- Being around people at a coffee shop or park
Even a tiny moment of connection can remind you that you’re not alone.
- Am I being kind to myself right now—or hard on myself?
It’s so easy to beat yourself up when you’re not feeling okay. But what if you spoke to yourself the way you would to a close friend?
Try asking:
- What’s one small thing I can thank myself for today?
- What would I say to someone else in my shoes?
- Can I just let myself be human today?
Kindness isn’t about ignoring your pain—it’s about giving yourself space to feel and heal.
- What’s something small that brought me comfort or peace recently?
Maybe it was listening to a favorite song, taking a hot shower, petting your dog, or watching the sky change colors.
These little moments matter. They remind you that even in the middle of heaviness, there are still things that feel okay—even good.
If you’re feeling depressed, you don’t need to “snap out of it” or pretend everything is fine. But you do deserve to understand what’s going on in your body and mind—and to feel supported on your way back to balance.
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we look at the full picture—not just your symptoms but your story, your stress, your hormones, your habits, your heart.
Because we know that healing isn’t just about treating depression—it’s about understanding it.
So, if you’re ready for a more compassionate, whole-body approach to emotional wellness, we’re here to walk with you.
You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re just human—and healing is possible.