Depression is a serious mental illness that often goes undetected. Many people don’t know how to identify the signs of depression, which can lead to tragic consequences.
This blog post will discuss six signs of depression that are often overlooked. If you or someone you know is suffering from any of these symptoms, please seek help immediately.
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Losing interest in the things you love
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down in the dumps. It’s a serious mental illness that can have a profound effect on every aspect of your life. If you’re depressed, you may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends and family.
This loss of interest can be one of the most noticeable signs of depression, yet it’s often overlooked. The mental health advocates behind socalsunrisemh.com suggest that as soon as you start to notice a change in your interests or activities, you should seek professional help.
Similarly, when you notice a loved one withdrawing from their favorite activities, it may be a sign that they’re depressed. Rest assured that there is help available and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Wanting to isolate yourself
When you’re depressed, you may want to withdraw from the world and isolate yourself. This can manifest itself in many ways, such as skipping social engagements, staying home from work or school, or avoiding contact with friends and family.
If you’re usually a social butterfly and you start isolating yourself, it’s a major red flag that something is wrong. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, isolation is one of the most common symptoms of depression but it often goes unnoticed.
If you find yourself wanting to isolate yourself, reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. They will most likely be able to tell that something is wrong and they can assist you in getting the help you need.
Irritability and anger
Another sign of depression that’s often overlooked is irritability or unexplained anger. If you’re normally even-tempered and suddenly find yourself snapping at people for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Depression can make you feel angry, even if you don’t have a reason to be. Perhaps, this can be attributed to the fact that depression can make you feel hopeless and out of control. It can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat depression.
If you’re experiencing unexplained anger or irritability, talk to your doctor about whether it could be caused by depression.
Difficulty concentrating and inability to make decisions
Most people who are depressed will have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. This is because depression can cause brain fog, which makes it hard to think clearly. If you’re struggling to focus at work or school, or you’re having trouble making even simple decisions, it could be a sign of depression.
Depression can also make it difficult to remember things or pay attention. This means that you may start forgetting important details or miss appointments. Usually, brain fog is one of the first signs of depression but not many people are aware of this. Hence, if you’re struggling with concentration or decision-making, don’t brush it off as a busy lifestyle. Seek professional help to rule out depression.
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Changes in eating and sleeping habits are other common signs of depression. If you’re depressed, you may find yourself either overeating or undereating. You may also have trouble sleeping or you may sleep too much.
These changes in eating and sleeping habits can be a result of the hormonal changes that occur during depression. Depression can also cause fatigue, which can lead to a change in your sleeping patterns. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell whether these changes are due to depression or another health condition. If you’re experiencing any changes in your eating or sleeping habits, talk to your doctor to rule out other potential causes.
Unexplained aches and pains
Depression can also cause physical symptoms, such as unexplained aches and pains. This is often referred to as somatic symptom disorder, which is a type of depression that causes physical symptoms. These physical symptoms can include headaches, stomachaches, and back pain.
While these aches and pains may have no underlying physical cause, they can still be very real and debilitating. If you’re experiencing unexplained aches and pains, talk to your doctor. But most importantly, don’t ignore these physical symptoms as they could be a sign of something more serious.
These are just some of the signs of depression that often go unnoticed. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. Depression is a serious mental illness but it’s treatable. With the right treatment, you can start feeling better and get back to living your life.
