Depression is a very serious illness. It can be confused with common fatigue, but it can also hide under excessive workaholism or, on the contrary, feigned happiness. Sadness, lack of initiative, and loss of physical and moral strength are just some characteristics of this disease.
Only a doctor can diagnose depression correctly, but you can notice this emotional disorder on your own.
We decided to explore some less obvious symptoms of depression that can help prevent its negative consequences.
What Are Some Hidden Signs Of Depression
8. Philosophical Thoughts
People suffering from hidden depression often try to talk about philosophical issues in abstract sentences. “These things always happen to me,” instead of “I don’t get enough sleep.” “It doesn’t make sense” instead of, “I think I need to use another variant.”
As a general rule, depressed people like to talk about the meaning of life, and they do it all the time. And their words are often abstract and vague. Psychologists say that the more defined a person’s thoughts are, the greater the chances that they will be happy.
7. Looking For Excuses
Depressed people often use excuses to hide their true desires and sadness. For example, they write exciting stories about why they can’t go to a friend’s birthday party or why they can’t have lunch with their colleagues.
Convincing excuses serve as a cover for not upsetting anyone with their emotional condition.
6. Lack Of An Adequate Reaction
People with depression may interpret the surrounding reality differently. They may agree with everyone, stop expressing their opinions and wishes, stop receiving insults, or not feel pain, even if it is inevitable: for example when they lose a relative.
5. Psychosomatic Diseases
Because they are depressed, people often complain of heart pain, the tension in their hands and legs, shortness of breath, headache, toothache, and other symptoms.
As a general rule, an examination shows that their health is good. Various painful sensations point to an unstable condition. In turn, the pain causes anxiety and tension, forming a vicious circle and causing the person to suffer from psychosomatic pain.
4. “Mental Chewing Gum”
In a depressed state, people become obsessed with certain things. They are sure they are looking for answers, but these obsessive thoughts cannot solve their problems.
Rather, they create the illusion that they are trying to find an answer. It is easy to see that your relative or friend suffers from obsessive thoughts: a person is very thoughtful, distracted, talks about the same problem and does not try to act instead of talking.
We can remember an example from Limitless. Bradley Cooper’s hero was obsessed with thoughts of writing a book and possible success. He plunged into apathy and stress, losing his family and friends one by one.
3. Untidy Appearance
A depressed state affects a person’s appearance. If a person stops following hygiene rules and doesn’t keep their home clean, they have reason to wonder if everything is okay or not. This applies to people who have never had a problem with cleaning.
2. A Change In Productivity
This is also a bad sign. Unable to deal with the routine tasks of daily life, often forgets information, generally gets tired and feels a lack of meaning in their actions.
It can also be the opposite when inactive people get addicted to working with a tense schedule, trying to collect their achievements. They are trying to escape their feelings and bring some meaning to their life.
1. Ostentatious Happiness
People often try to hide their depression behind a positive mood. And, as a rule, they really seem like the happiest and most carefree people in the world.
They avoid serious conversations and laugh at difficult topics. You can understand and help them only during a long and safe conversation.
How To Help Depressed People And Yourself
You can test yourself with the help of the Beck Depression Inventory or the Zung Self-Assessment Depression Scale.
If you find that one of your friends or family is depressed, try talking to them about their health and problems. Offer your help. If a person rejects everything, leave him alone for a while and watch his behavior.
Don’t underestimate the problems of family and friends and don’t joke around. Phrases like “cheer up”, “for” and “calm down” don’t work here.
Help with housework and routine tasks: depression requires all the emotional and physical strength of a person.
Don’t make a depressed person lead an active lifestyle if they’re not ready.
Take breaks in your relationship with a depressed person to avoid adopting their condition.
Debunks the myths that it’s not necessary to see a doctor. Suggest professional help.
Be loving. Every smile and the perfect Instagram post can hide serious problems.
Have you ever tried to help someone who was depressed? Do you have your own methods? Share with us!
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