Recognizing the understated signs of depression

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.

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Appetite and weight changes -

Research shows that depression may cause a change in appetite due in part to an influx of the stress hormone cortisol in the system.

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Appetite and weight changes -

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.

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Changes in sleep habits -

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.

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Changes in sleep habits -

However, sleeping more than usual is also a sign that a person may have depression.

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Fatigue -

Feeling excessively tired is a very common symptom of depression.

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Fatigue -

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.

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Alcohol or drug use -

Some people with mood disorders may use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with negative emotions like sadness or loneliness.

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Alcohol or drug use -

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.

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Changes in language and topics of conversation -

Research shows that people with depression use more "I," "me," and self-focused words because they're in a more introspective state.

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Changes in language and topics of conversation -

People with depression also use more absolutist terms, like "always" and "never."

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Physical pain and health disorders -

Depression is a mental health condition, but it can also have physical consequences.

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Physical pain and health disorders -

In addition to weight changes and fatigue, depression can come with headaches, a racing heart, a tight chest, and digestive problems.

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Negative self-talk -

Negative self-talk is an inner dialogue that is damaging and extremely self-critical.

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Negative self-talk -

Many people with depression experience negative self-talk and turn to harmful, critical thoughts on themselves.

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Loss of concentration -

When a person loses their train of thought, this can indicate issues with memory and concentration, which are a common symptom of depression.

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Loss of concentration -

Difficulties with concentration and focus can worsen the social impact of depression, making a person's work life and personal relationships more challenging.

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Change in libido -

A change in libido is often considered a key indicator when diagnosing depressive symptoms in people.

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Change in libido -

There are several reasons why a person's libido might decrease when they have depression, such as low self-esteem and low energy levels.

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Forced happiness -

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.

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Forced happiness -

However, it can be difficult to keep up with this forced happiness, and over time, the mask might slip.

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Less optimistic than others -

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.

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Less optimistic than others -

Being more realistic or pessimistic than others can be a sign of depression, especially if the person exhibits other symptoms of the condition.

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Personality differences -

Some people with hidden depression experience personality changes. They can become more quiet or even angry and irritable.

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Personality differences -

Many people don't associate anger and irritability with depression, but these mood changes are quite common.

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Disinterest in hobbies -

Depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things people love.

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Disinterest in hobbies -

A loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities is one of the telltale symptoms of depression.

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Crying for help, then taking it back -

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.

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Crying for help, then taking it back -

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)

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Recognizing the understated signs of depression -

Click on to learn more about the less obvious symptoms of depression.

0 / 29 Fotos

Appetite and weight changes -

Research shows that depression may cause a change in appetite due in part to an influx of the stress hormone cortisol in the system.

Shutterstock

1 / 29 Fotos

Appetite and weight changes -

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.

Shutterstock

2 / 29 Fotos

Changes in sleep habits -

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.

Shutterstock

3 / 29 Fotos

Changes in sleep habits -

However, sleeping more than usual is also a sign that a person may have depression.

Shutterstock

4 / 29 Fotos

Fatigue -

Feeling excessively tired is a very common symptom of depression.

Shutterstock

5 / 29 Fotos

Fatigue -

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.

Shutterstock

6 / 29 Fotos

Alcohol or drug use -

Some people with mood disorders may use alcohol or drugs to help them cope with negative emotions like sadness or loneliness.

Shutterstock

7 / 29 Fotos

Alcohol or drug use -

Shutterstock

8 / 29 Fotos

Changes in language and topics of conversation -

Research shows that people with depression use more "I," "me," and self-focused words because they're in a more introspective state.

Shutterstock

9 / 29 Fotos

Changes in language and topics of conversation -

People with depression also use more absolutist terms, like "always" and "never."

Shutterstock

10 / 29 Fotos

Physical pain and health disorders -

Depression is a mental health condition, but it can also have physical consequences.

Shutterstock

11 / 29 Fotos

Physical pain and health disorders -

In addition to weight changes and fatigue, depression can come with headaches, a racing heart, a tight chest, and digestive problems.

Shutterstock

12 / 29 Fotos

Negative self-talk -

Negative self-talk is an inner dialogue that is damaging and extremely self-critical.

Shutterstock

13 / 29 Fotos

Negative self-talk -

Many people with depression experience negative self-talk and turn to harmful, critical thoughts on themselves.

Shutterstock

14 / 29 Fotos

Loss of concentration -

When a person loses their train of thought, this can indicate issues with memory and concentration, which are a common symptom of depression.

Shutterstock

15 / 29 Fotos

Loss of concentration -

Difficulties with concentration and focus can worsen the social impact of depression, making a person's work life and personal relationships more challenging.

Shutterstock

16 / 29 Fotos

Change in libido -

A change in libido is often considered a key indicator when diagnosing depressive symptoms in people.

Shutterstock

17 / 29 Fotos

Change in libido -

There are several reasons why a person's libido might decrease when they have depression, such as low self-esteem and low energy levels.

Shutterstock

18 / 29 Fotos

Forced happiness -

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.

Shutterstock

19 / 29 Fotos

Forced happiness -

However, it can be difficult to keep up with this forced happiness, and over time, the mask might slip.

Shutterstock

20 / 29 Fotos

Less optimistic than others -

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.

Shutterstock

21 / 29 Fotos

Less optimistic than others -

Being more realistic or pessimistic than others can be a sign of depression, especially if the person exhibits other symptoms of the condition.

Shutterstock

22 / 29 Fotos

Personality differences -

Some people with hidden depression experience personality changes. They can become more quiet or even angry and irritable.

Shutterstock

23 / 29 Fotos

Personality differences -

Many people don't associate anger and irritability with depression, but these mood changes are quite common.

Shutterstock

24 / 29 Fotos

Disinterest in hobbies -

Depression can take the pleasure or enjoyment out of the things people love.

Shutterstock

25 / 29 Fotos

Disinterest in hobbies -

A loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities is one of the telltale symptoms of depression.

Shutterstock

26 / 29 Fotos

Crying for help, then taking it back -

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.

Shutterstock

27 / 29 Fotos

Crying for help, then taking it back -

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)

Shutterstock

28 / 29 Fotos

Recognizing the understated signs of depression

Do you recognize these symptoms?

28/04/25 | StarsInsider

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.