Why do I feel more depressed in the morning?
Depression
Morning depression is common because cortisol levels are naturally higher upon waking, and facing the day ahead can feel overwhelming.
Many people with Major depressive disorder feel worse in the morning, a pattern called diurnal mood variation. This happens because cortisol levels are naturally highest in the morning, which can intensify feelings of Anxiety disorder and Major depressive disorder. Additionally, waking up means facing another day, which can feel overwhelming when you're depressed. The transition from sleep quality to wakefulness can also be jarring when your dreams provided an escape from depressive thoughts. Having a gentle morning routine and small, achievable goals can help ease this transition.