mental-health/depression

I quit the team I loved and told everyone it was for college apps

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My coach pulled me aside - I haven't been to practice in three weeks. I quit the team I've played since I was nine and blamed college apps, but really I can barely get out of bed. I'm 18 and I mostly want to sleep through senior year. Is this depression or am I just lazy?

Last updated: July 2026

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What this can feel like

My coach pulled me aside after practice on Tuesday, except I haven't actually been to practice in three weeks. I quit the team I've played since I was nine and told everyone it was to focus on college apps, but that's not it. The truth is I can barely get out of bed. Everything takes ten times more energy than it used to - showering, texting people back, pretending in class. I'm 18, it's supposed to be the best year, and I mostly just want to sleep through it. My grades are sliding and I keep telling myself I'll fix it tomorrow, and then tomorrow I can't. When my coach asked if I was okay, really okay, I actually said 'not really' out loud for the first time, and then immediately felt guilty for worrying her. She didn't make it weird though. She asked if I'd be willing to talk to someone at the school and said she'd help me set it up. I said maybe. I keep googling 'so tired i cant function is it depression or am i lazy' at night. I don't know how it got this heavy without me noticing.

What's a first step I can take?

'What was it like to hear yourself say not really out loud?' 'What would make that first talk feel a little safer?'

Common questions

Laziness is not wanting to; depression is wanting to and not being able to, plus losing interest in things that used to matter. If you're pushing and still can't, and it's lasted weeks, that points away from lazy.

Usually a first, low-pressure conversation where you set the pace and say only what you want. It's not a commitment to anything; it's a chance to be heard and figure out options.

No. Letting someone help isn't a burden, and getting support usually makes you more able to be there for the people you care about, not less.

Related

Say it back

How would you explain this to someone you love?

Two or three sentences, just as you’d say it. Gale reflects back what you focused on — a mirror, not a quiz.

If things feel heavy, a person is available anytime — call or text 988.

Talk to a clinician

Gale can help you find a clinician in your state and request a visit.

Find care →

When exhaustion is more than being tired

  • —Missing weeks of school, work, or activities you used to keep up with
  • —Not eating, not sleeping, or sleeping most of the day for weeks
  • —Any thoughts that you don't want to be here or would be better off gone

Call or text 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and 24/7. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

This is general information for someone taking a first step, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for care from a licensed professional.

References

  1. 1. (2022). Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: meta-analysis of 192 studies. Molecular Psychiatry. linkMany mental-health conditions, including depression, commonly emerge during adolescence, so early recognition matters.

1 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice. AI-assisted editorial content — citations link their sources. Editorial policy

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