We all have an image of what depression looks like. It’s sad, low energy, and withdrawn from connection with friends and family. But while intense and long-term sadness is almost always a facet of depression, it is not the only element by far.
In fact, it’s possible to be clinically depressed without realizing it!
Because depression diminishes quality of life and can even lead to suicide, it’s critical to seek treatment if you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from it.
Please review our list of potential symptoms – some are obvious, but others are quite sneaky.
1. Lingering sadness
Sadness is the most common symptom of depression but not the only one.
Depression-related sadness is persistent and may feel like a heavy weight that holds you back from moving forward in life.
2. Exhaustion
Akin to sadness, depression-related exhaustion will make you feel like you’re dragging through your day.
You will sleep a lot more and for longer periods of time than usual.
3. Irritability/short temper
Sometimes depression manifests as a short fuse that has you snapping at people for no good reason.
This is often because you’re already feeling overwhelmed and new requests or demands on your time are frustrating.
4. Back pain
The thought here is that feeling stressed and sad often leads to slouching or muscle tension that eventually manifests in back pain.
Attention to posture and regular massage can help minimize this symptom.
5. Weight gain
Weight gain can be a symptom of depression if you’ve recently started to eat emotionally or thoughtlessly.
This is linked to the body’s desire to boost serotonin by doing something that should be pleasurable.
6. Emotional numbness
Do you feel as though you are observing your life from a distance?
You know how you should feel in various situations, even how you used to feel, but there is just numbness where emotion should be.
7. Increased alcohol consumption
It’s common for folks with undiagnosed depression to drink more alcohol than usual in an attempt to self-medicate and relieve painful feelings.
Unfortunately, associated guilt and shame can compound the problem.
8. Wasting time/listlessness
You may have depression if you can’t seem to get moving on any required task.
Instead you just pass the time with meaningless activities like pacing, scrolling social media, or playing computer games.
9. Excessive daydreaming
Is your head in the clouds, focused entirely on fantasy situations that could take you away from the pain of the present?
That could be an indicator of depression.
10. Indecisiveness
We use social cues, expected consequences, and personal feelings to make daily decisions.
But when depression has muted the ability to care about the outcome of any given choice, it gets very difficult to make one.
11. Inattention to personal grooming
If you find that you just don’t care at all how you present to others, it can be a sign.
Depression could be eating away at your desire for human connection.
12. Inability to concentrate
Scientists from Harvard University say that the human brain is happiest when it is engaged in the present moment.
The inability to stay focused on the here and now can trigger anxiety and depression.
13. Loss of interest in sex
This symptom may indicate depression if your sex drive has changed drastically for no known physical reason.
It could also be a likely component of a larger aversion to human connection.
14. Feeling worthless
You are doing just fine at work, your kids are happy and healthy, but you still feel that you’re not enough.
If you can’t shake the groundless feeling of worthlessness, depression could be the cause.
15. Frequent thoughts of death
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide, so please speak up if you’re thinking about harming yourself, or have repeated thoughts that death is the answer.
Healing is possible with the right help.
16. Anxiety
Sometimes anxiety is a reaction to feeling lost, confused, or just different than before.
This symptom may be easier to recognize than emotional numbness, which is the lack of feeling rather than an intense feeling.
17. Pessimism
Have you felt lately that every venture is doomed to fail and that there’s nothing to do about it?
Some people are naturally pessimistic, but if this is unusual for you it could be a symptom of depression.
18. Risky decision-making
Diminished emotional responses can be upsetting and lead folks to seek out risky situations for a boost of adrenaline.
This could manifest in an affair, interest in adventure sports, or disregard of dangerous surroundings.
19. Intense feelings of guilt
We all feel guilty sometimes based on behavior.
But the type of guilt that may indicate depression is persistent and not linked in reality to anything you said or did.
20. Perfectionism/unrealistic expectations
Everyone wants to be able do it all, but most people recognize that it’s not realistic.
If you find it impossible to cut yourself some slack or get past perceived failings, depression could be the cause.
20. Perfectionism/unrealistic expectations
Everyone wants to be able do it all, but most people recognize that it’s not realistic.
If you find it impossible to cut yourself some slack or get past perceived failings, depression could be the cause.
21. Trouble falling or staying asleep
A depressed mind obsesses about negative things, which makes it hard to drift off or to stay asleep.
This exacerbates general exhaustion and the desire to sleep more due to poor quality rest.
22. Migraines
Some studies indicate that almost 40% of migraine sufferers also experience depression.
Which condition may cause the other is not known, but if you get frequent migraines, additional attention to the possibility of depression is helpful.
23. Digestive issues
Surprisingly, the nerve cells in our guts produce up to 90% of the body’s serotonin.
That’s why a poor diet can affect mood and digestion. Constipation, diarrhea, and bloating are potential side effects of a serotonin shortage.
24. Repetitive thoughts
Same disturbing thought cycles through your mind without end, disrupting productivity and causing you to “check out” of the moment?
Consider whether depression might be the underlying cause.
25. Excessive crying
Emotional numbness is not always present in depression; sometimes sufferers find that their emotions are on a hair-trigger.
Excessive crying, especially if it becomes difficult to pinpoint what precipitated the tears, may indicate depression.
26. Loss of appetite
Some people with depression eat more than usual in an effort to feel better.
Others experience a diminished appetite that goes along with a lack of self worth. They may believe they don’t deserve fundamental care.
27. Mood swings
Depression causes a host of emotions beyond sadness, such as anger, frustration, guilt, and even moments of joy.
If you are all over the map with your emotions, it’s another clue that depression is the underlying condition.
Conclusion.
If you suspect that you are suffering from depression, please ask for help as soon as possible, or at least be open to a loved one who volunteers to seek help on your behalf.
Many treatments are available to help depression sufferers attack the root of the problem, feel joy again, and take comfort in the love and concern of their community. You are worth the effort!