With all the media buzz about depression, this once unrecognised disorder is now being the centre of attention of many people, from experts to ordinary individuals.
Nonetheless, there is still a continuing stigma, which discourages depression patients from seeking the help they need.
Worse, too many people remain undiagnosed because even they themselves, are not aware that they are already having the symptoms.
A person suffering from depression may look like one fine individual in front of others. But wait until you get a closer look to their behaviour.
Below is among the common symptoms of depression that many may overlook.
Frequent Fatigue Symptoms
Not everyone with depression experience fatigue symptoms. But those who do really have a hard time coping with it.
Imagine constantly feeling blue, at the same time, constantly feeling tired. It is really difficult to cope with.
Even though a person with depression doesn’t have trouble sleeping at night, they could wake up the next day feeling restless and lacking energy.
Even depressed patients who have already been diagnosed tend to conceal their fatigue-like symptoms as it often affects their work and personal relationships.
Ignoring Hobbies and Lack of Interest
People with depression may suddenly lose interest in most things, especially those that they really enjoy doing before.
Since depression is physically and mentally draining, even leisure activities can become taxing, which makes enjoying life really difficult.
Moodiness & Constant Feeling of Irritability
Irritability is one of the overlooked symptoms of depression.
The constant work and effort it takes to battle depression can really drain one’s energy, making too little room for patience and understanding.
A depressed person may get easily angry with little nuisances like being late for five minutes, spilling coffee in their clothes, or not getting a reply from an email or text message ASAP.
People who aren’t really moody before, but suddenly become more irritable, may be dealing with depression.
Developing Abnormal Mental Habits
Eating too little or too much is a common sign of depression. Some people with undiagnosed depression tend to seek comfort and pleasure from food, but are often confronted with guilt feelings and poor body image in the end.
On the other hand, some patients simply lose the appetite to eat and find food unappealing.
Neediness
Depression is indeed a debilitating condition that makes a person incapacitated to perform even the simplest things.
And if the person doesn’t know it, or conceals their depression, they find it harder to deal with others who are getting irritated about their neediness.
As a result, they would feel even worse, helpless and unwanted.
Emotional Ups and Downs
Depression isn’t just about feeling down all the time. If someone has hidden depression, they might seem like just having mood swings.
Others might think that the person is just doing fine because they see him or her smile, laugh and have a good time.
But depression is like an endless nightmare that keeps hunting a person who has it. The good times just don’t make up for the bad.
Inability to Respond to Affection and Concern
Whilst the common symptom of depression is constant feelings of sadness, for some people who have it, it’s more about feeling ‘numb’. And because of this, responding to others’ affection, kindness or concern becomes difficult.
Worse, they may even react negatively to it, and push people away from their lives.
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that we should not ignore.
If you suspect that you or someone you know might be dealing with depression, learn about the options to treat it.
However bad this condition is, most anyone can push through it with proper treatment, along with the support of loved ones.
Richard Scott
Clinical hypnotherapist