How Do You Know If You Have Depression? 11 Hidden Signs And Ways To Support Mental Health
While it’s common for people to feel sad with depression, there are other less obvious or hidden signs of depression people often overlook. If you think you may be experiencing depression, paying attention to the signs and being aware of what you’re feeling is essential. A licensed therapist can also help you navigate your depression diagnosis and management. Note that this article does not cover bipolar disorder, which, although also a mood disorder, is separate and different from depression.
What are the signs of hidden depression, and how do you know if you have depression?
One way to help establish if you are experiencing hidden depression is by assessing your daily activities to determine if symptoms of depression affect your ability to complete tasks and interact with others. Mental health experts recognize the following signs as possible symptoms of hidden depression:
Difficulty concentrating
Lately, have you experienced difficulty completing regular tasks due to a lack of focus? A common symptom of depression is the inability to focus or concentrate. It may be challenging to stay focused on a task, or you may lose your train of thought while having a conversation. One mental health study suggests someone can experience a more challenging social and work life due to depression, along with concentration and memory issues.
Changes in sleep patterns
Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep most of the night? The amount of sleep you get can affect your mood and any mental health conditions you might experience. It can help explain why some people express a grumpy or cranky mood when they don’t get enough sleep. Symptoms of depression can make it difficult for a person to get restful sleep. Many people experiencing sleep problems may have insomnia.
The National Sleep Foundation says people with insomnia are more likely to have depression, anxiety, or both. People may also experience depressive moods if they sleep too much.
Changes in weight and eating habits
Do you find yourself eating more unhealthy foods or skipping meals? A sign of depression can be eating too little or too much. Food is known to be used for comfort when feeling emotional. Or, if your mood is low, you may not feel like eating much. As a result, your weight may fluctuate up or down. The severity of a person’s depression symptoms may also vary depending on how they view themselves or their body type.
Substance use
People may turn to alcohol or drugs when feeling lonely or sad. Sometimes people may not realize they have a problem with substance use because they don’t recognize how often they turn to alcohol or drugs when coping. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) says roughly 1 in 5 people with an alcohol or substance use disorder also has a mood disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Smiling depression
Do you feel like you have to put on a happy face to get through the day? People hiding their depression may force a smile on their faces when around others. Also known as “smiling depression,” a person may carry on as if nothing is wrong. They may worry about what other people think about them, or think people may see them as unreliable. Some individuals who force a smile could have significant depression. Some may recognize they need help, but are not sure how to get it. Smiling depression may be difficult for people to recognize because they might begin to believe their reflex reaction to behave as if nothing is wrong. This is possible for all people with depression, but those with smiling depression may find it more challenging to overcome. Speaking with a trained mental health professional may help an individual discover whether they’re experiencing smiling depression or other symptoms of depression.
Tiredness or fatigue
Do you feel tired or exhausted much of the time? One of the most common signs of depression is fatigue. When you lack energy, you’ll feel tired or worn out. You may feel this way if you’re not getting enough sleep, or you may be burned out from work or family. While most people feel tired from time to time, a person with depression may feel fatigued persistently or develop severe tiredness.
Aches and pains
Do you have aches or pains that come and go without a cause? Depression affects your mental health, but people often experience physical consequences. Besides weight changes and tiredness, a person may experience headaches, backaches, digestive issues, and chronic pain. Some with major depression may experience other health concerns, such as heart disease, arthritis, or type 2 diabetes. If you have a pre-existing or chronic condition, mental health issues like depression can make taking care of yourself more challenging.
Pessimistic thoughts
Do you have a habit of looking at things from a negative standpoint? Some with depression may have a difficult time thinking positively about the future. An individual with depression may assume their judgment is more accurate than someone who may not have depression. In short, they may not have as much optimism as others.
Irritability
Do you feel bothered by others during the day? Mood changes are common with depression, but many may not associate them with depression. Some who are depressed may express irritability or anger instead of sadness. Some may show suppressed anger or a sudden change in their mood, giving the impression they don’t want to be bothered.
Loss of interest in activities
Have you stopped doing an activity you loved? Living with depression can often make engaging in interesting activities or hobbies difficult. Lack of interest in hobbies is a common symptom, especially when a person becomes distant and doesn’t want to be around others. Activities once enjoyed are enjoyed no more.
Changes in sex drive
Do you look forward to being intimate with your partner? A person may not find sex as enjoyable if they are depressed. Other factors such as low energy, frequent exhaustion, and lack of interest may also contribute to the issue. A person with depression may have relationship and communication issues with their spouse or partner, adding additional strain to the situation.
Can you help someone you suspect has hidden depression?
If you think a loved one or a close friend is showing signs of depression or “hidden depression,” encourage them to talk about their feelings with someone. Offer to listen to them without judgment. Encourage them to learn about treatment options. Offer moral support when they attend appointments. Engage in productive activities like exercise and socializing.
How A Mental Health Professional Can Help You Check Symptoms And Explore Treatment Options
There are also help options available. Working with a healthcare professional, such as a counselor or therapist, is essential to understanding how your symptoms affect your life. While there are depression test options online that may give some insight, reputable mental health sources provide detailed information about depressive symptoms that you can research.
A therapist can help you navigate the signs and symptoms of depression
Speaking with a therapist has been proven to help improve mood, thoughts, and physical functioning for patients with depression. Sometimes, depression symptoms can make it hard to muster the energy to visit a counselor in person.
Working with a therapist, including online therapists like those at BetterHelp, can help you find the relief you seek. Research finds that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy; it offers the convenience of not having to leave your home. A therapist can help you identify where your depression is coming from, the triggers that you face, and coping strategies to overcome it. You can read the reviews of our therapists below from people experiencing similar issues.
Takeaway
Is it possible to diagnose yourself with depression?
Only a therapist or doctor can diagnose you with any mental disorders, medical conditions, or physical health conditions, such as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. There are numerous symptoms to watch for, however. If you notice any of these mental or physical symptoms of depression or depressive disorders, seek help from your doctor or therapist for an accurate diagnosis. Some symptoms include:
Persistent feeling of sadness
Lack of energy; even small tasks may feel exhausting
Loss of interest
Fatigue or lethargy
Disruption in sleeping patterns
Lowered sex drive
Having trouble concentrating or remembering things
Feeling hopeless and drowning in negative thoughts
Loss of appetite or overeating; weight loss or weight gain
Lack of interest or pleasure in things you once loved
These are some of the most common signs of depression. If you at any time start to experience self-harm or suicidal thoughts, contact the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255, or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.
It is important to have your signs of depression medically reviewed to receive a correct diagnosis and to get the treatment options and help that you need, especially if you are experiencing symptoms pre- or post-pregnancy. It is also important to note that depression can cause physical health conditions as well, which makes it even more important to get a physical exam and treatment.
What are the most reliable depression symptoms?
One of the most immediately recognizable symptoms of depression is a loss of interest in things you once loved. A lot of factors can trigger depression, and when you are dealing with depression or in the middle of a depressive episode, it can be hard to find joy in things.
However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms of depression, even those in the same age range. For some, it may be a sudden inability to sleep, a sudden loss of appetite, or a lowered sex drive. Further, some conditions, such as thyroid disorders, migraines, or physical aches, may feel like symptoms of depression, and in some cases, may also cause depressive symptoms. Depression can begin to affect your physical health as well. If you notice abnormal mental or physical symptoms at any point, you should seek treatment and speak to your doctor or health care provider.
What are the warning signs of a mental breakdown linked to health conditions?
A nervous breakdown is not a formal diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It can refer to any number of mental illnesses and medical conditions, such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, or acute stress. People suffering from a nervous breakdown will often exhibit many of the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Nervous breakdowns are unfortunately common in the United States, and there are a number of mental health conditions, as well as physical health conditions, that can lead to one.
Some of the signs of depression or anxiety that can lead to a nervous breakdown are:
Withdrawing from friends and family
Panic attacks
Insomnia
Angry outbursts
Paranoia
Low self-esteem
Extreme mood swings
Many things can trigger a nervous breakdown, including stressful working conditions, serious financial issues, sudden traumatic events, family history, certain medications, physical health conditions, other physical problems, and more.
The imbalance of neurotransmitters in an individual’s brain chemistry can contribute to depression. Some people with depression have what is called concealed depression or hidden depression. In hidden depression, people will try to mask the symptoms of depression that they are experiencing, or will try to downplay their seriousness. They may believe that they are not “sick enough” to receive treatment, but that is not true. The sooner that signs of depression are caught and diagnosed, the sooner treatment and recovery from health care providers can begin.
What are the warning signs of poor mental health?
In some older adults with depression, the signs may not be overtly obvious. These hidden signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions and health problems, making diagnosis more difficult. Some less common signs of depression may include:
Changes in appetite
Severe weight gain or loss
Alcohol or drug use
Fatigue
Forced happiness (also known as smiling depression)
Loss of concentration (easily distracted)
Low sex drive
These hidden signs of depression may also be flags for other forms of mental illness, or they may be a normal part of life changes. If you believe you are experiencing these hidden signs of depression or any other sign of depression, speak with your doctor or therapist for help and treatment options. They may require lab tests and other medical procedures to rule out other problems before making an accurate diagnosis.
It is, once again, important to note that everyone may feel depressed, but not everyone experiences depression the same way. Some people with major depression may have much more severe depression symptoms than other people with less severe forms.
However, people with depression and people suffering from hidden depression are equally valid in their feelings and symptoms and deserve to know all of their treatment options. Getting treatment at the earliest sign of depressive symptoms, coupled with appropriate lifestyle changes, can help prevent depression from worsening.
What is the tattoo symbol for depression?
The most common tattoo symbol for people with depression is a semicolon.
What color is associated with depression?
Typically, in therapy, people suffering from depression describe their feelings as gray. Gray has become the color of depression.
Why is a semicolon a symbol for depression?
A semicolon was chosen because in literature, a semicolon is used to denote a pause rather than the end of a sentence. It symbolizes that people with depression are not at the end of their lives; they are merely pausing to recoup and recover so that they can then continue with their story.
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