The alarm rings, the sunlight peeks through the curtains, and the world outside begins its day. Yet your body feels impossibly heavy. The thought of swinging your legs out of bed and facing what lies ahead feels overwhelming. You tell yourself you should get up, but instead you pull the blanket tighter. For many people living with depression, mornings are the hardest part of the day.

In counselling sessions, I often hear clients describe this struggle. One client, let us call her Jessica, explained it this way: “It is not that I am lazy or that I do not want to live my life. It is that every movement feels like I am pushing against a mountain. Even brushing my teeth feels like too much some mornings.” Her words captured what depression often steals—the basic energy to do what once felt routine.

This is the hidden truth about depression. It is not only sadness or low mood. It seeps into the body, slowing you down, making even small tasks feel exhausting. You may notice thoughts like: Why bother getting up? I will only fail again. Everyone else seems to manage life so easily, so why can I not? These thoughts reinforce the heaviness until staying in bed feels like the only option.

The physical side of depression can be just as intense as the emotional one. Fatigue, body aches, poor sleep, and lack of appetite often accompany the mental weight. It is as though both the mind and body are asking for rest, yet instead of feeling restored, you feel trapped in the cycle.

There are small ways to begin shifting this pattern. One approach is breaking the morning into tiny steps. Instead of aiming to “get up and face the day,” focus on the smallest action—such as sitting up, placing your feet on the floor, or drinking a glass of water. Each step builds momentum and reminds you that movement is possible.

Another helpful practice is creating a morning ritual of kindness. This might include playing gentle music, stretching for two minutes, or making a warm cup of tea. When mornings feel harsh and punishing, small acts of comfort create a softer transition into the day.

Depression can make you feel powerless, but you are not alone in this struggle. Getting out of bed may feel impossible at times, but with the right support and compassionate strategies, mornings can become lighter again.

You do not have to carry this alone. Support is available, and taking the first step can change everything. Visit www.drkaranvirsingh.com and book your free 20-minute session today.