What happens when we’re too connected to our phones?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 280 million people have depression worldwide. Although well-known symptoms such as sadness or hopelessness can be easy to recognize, other signs of depression may be less obvious. However, it's important to point out that other medical issues can also cause some of the same symptoms.
Click on to learn more about the less obvious symptoms of depression.
Research shows that depression may cause a change in appetite due in part to an influx of the stress hormone cortisol in the system.
Some people turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite. These changes in food intake can cause a person to gain or lose weight. They can also affect mood and energy levels.
Depression is known to interfere with restful sleep. A lack of sleep can contribute to depression, and depression can make it more difficult to sleep.
However, sleeping more than usual is also a sign that a person may have depression.
Feeling excessively tired is a very common symptom of depression.
While it's normal to feel tired from time to time, persistent tiredness can be a sign of hidden depression, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Some people with mood disorders may use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with negative emotions like sadness or loneliness.
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that in the US, about one in five people with anxiety or a mood disorder, such as depression, also have an alcohol or substance use disorder.
Research shows that people with depression use more "I," "me," and self-focused words because they're in a more introspective state.
People with depression also use more absolutist terms, like "always" and "never."
Depression is a mental health condition, but it can also have physical consequences.
In addition to weight changes and fatigue, depression can come with headaches, a racing heart, a tight chest, and digestive problems.
Negative self-talk is an inner dialogue that is damaging and extremely self-critical.
Many people with depression experience negative self-talk and turn to harmful, critical thoughts on themselves.
When a person loses their train of thought, this can indicate issues with memory and concentration, which are a common symptom of depression.
Difficulties with concentration and focus can worsen the social impact of depression, making a person's work life and personal relationships more challenging.
A change in libido is often considered a key indicator when diagnosing depressive symptoms in people.
There are several reasons why a person's libido might decrease when they have depression, such as low self-esteem and low energy levels.
In some cases, the bigger the smile, the bigger the depression it hides. People who hide their symptoms may ensure that their face appears happy in public as a mask.
However, it can be difficult to keep up with this forced happiness, and over time, the mask might slip.
Some believe that people with depression may exhibit a trait called depressive realism, which suggests they have a more accurate perception of certain situations than those without depression.
Being more realistic or pessimistic than others can be a sign of depression, especially if the person exhibits other symptoms of the condition.
Some people with hidden depression experience personality changes. They can become more quiet or even angry and irritable.
Many people don't associate anger and irritability with depression, but these mood changes are quite common.
Depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things people love.
A loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities is one of the telltale symptoms of depression.
A sign of depression is that one might share what's really going on, only to later feel awkward, guilty, or shameful about opening up.
They may reveal dark thoughts and even call a therapist, only to back out of an appointment at the last minute and say, "Never mind, I'm fine."
Sources: (Medical News Today) (PsychCentral)
See also: Common habits that negatively affect your mental health
Recognizing the understated signs of depression
Do you recognize these symptoms?
HEALTH Mental health
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 280 million people have depression worldwide. Although well-known symptoms such as sadness or hopelessness can be easy to recognize, other signs of depression may be less obvious. However, it's important to point out that other medical issues can also cause some of the same symptoms.
Click on to learn more about the less obvious symptoms of depression.