Have you ever experienced a period where sadness and gloom seemed to linger over you? While it’s normal to feel upset, lonely, or down when facing major life changes, if these symptoms become persistent and overwhelming, disrupting your daily routine, they may prevent you from living a normal, healthy life.
Depression doesn’t always manifest through constant crying or sadness. Each person may display different symptoms. On the Psych2Go YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 13 million subscribers, experts have outlined 10 hidden signs of depression that not everyone may fully understand.
1. Low mood
Have you noticed someone in your life who was once cheerful but has recently become sorrowful and tearful? Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless nearly every day for over two weeks may be a sign of severe depression, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
2. Loss of interest or pleasure
Have you ever seen a friend suddenly lose interest in activities they once enjoyed? This could be a symptom of anhedonia – the loss of pleasure or interest in previously enjoyable activities.
3. Significant weight changes
If you notice a friend or loved one has gained or lost a significant amount of weight—more than 5% of their body weight within a month- it could be tied to depression, as changes in eating habits are common.
4. Changes in appetite
People with depression may lose interest in eating or turn to food as an emotional coping mechanism. This condition can lead to both appetite loss and emotional eating.
5. Insomnia or oversleeping
Does your friend or loved one often struggle to sleep despite feeling exhausted? This could indicate insomnia. Conversely, excessive sleeping, known as hypersomnia, is another common sign of depression.
6. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Depression can result in a lack of energy or fluidity in movements and expressions, known as psychomotor retardation. Conversely, some may exhibit psychomotor agitation, characterized by repetitive or purposeless movements.
7. Fatigue or loss of energy
Do your friends or loved ones frequently complain of constant exhaustion? Depression often comes with a persistent feeling of fatigue and low energy, which can lead them to withdraw from plans and activities.
8. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
People with depression may excessively criticize themselves or feel overwhelming guilt for minor mistakes. This can lower self-esteem and exacerbate depressive symptoms.
9. Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
A diminished ability to concentrate or think clearly is another symptom of depression. Negative thoughts may cause distraction, affecting work or school performance.
10. Thoughts of death or suicide
If left unchecked, depression can lead to thoughts of death or suicide. Those severely affected may contemplate ending their lives or exhibit risky behaviors, such as reckless driving.
Seek help if needed
Do you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know? Remember, you are not alone. If you observe any of these symptoms, seek support from a mental health professional. Life still holds many beautiful moments waiting for you to experience.
For the full video, watch [HERE].
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