There are two things here to recognise and differentiate: depression (the clinical kind), and dejection (feeling down about things in general).<p>With the latter, you can work out a plan of action to gradually lift yourself out of misery. Since you&#x27;re on HN, you&#x27;re in a community of like-minded perceptive, intelligent individuals. There&#x27;s an abundance of advice in previous threads on this subject.<p>The former is more complicated, and potentially dangerous. It&#x27;s classified as a &#x27;mental illness&#x27;. Professional assistance may be called for; other times one can recognise the effects, realizing that the cause is <i>within</i> rather than <i>without</i>. If a good night&#x27;s sleep doesn&#x27;t cure it, seek assistance...