7 Hidden Signs Of Depression You Should Not Ignore

Depression is the most widespread problem of our age. Even though the World Health Organization says there are 350 million people in the world suffering from depression, but this is only the number of people who have been diagnosed.

Considering that most people don’t share their mental illness because of the stigma and prejudice about this among the common populace, the actual number of people suffering from depression might has well be in billions. Not to mention the extremely expensive cost of mental health therapy and treatment all over the world, that stops people from seeking any treatment because they can’t afford it.

Most people suffering from depression do not tell it to the world, and it might be hard to know that they are depressed. Many people do not know it themselves.

We need to look out for such people, and be ready to offer them a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. Here are certain signs which show that a person might be suffering from depression even if they do not talk about it:

#1. Withdrawal from social activities, not attending work or school

Most people battling with depression find it hard to deal with social activities such as going somewhere or even talking to people. As the depression gets worse, people start withdrawing from work or school, they start missing classes and showing up to work either late or not coming to work at all.

If you notice someone is being absent from friendly meetups, work, or school – it’s time to reach out.

#2. Lack of energy

While facing depression, the person often feels tired all the time. Constant mental stress along with not being to eat or sleep away – drains away all the energy, and even seemingly light tasks such as chatting to friends also starts to seem like just another tiring chore.

Someone in this situation stops talking to even their family, friends and loved ones.

#3. Eating poorly

During depression, appetite might increase or decrease dramatically. While some people don’t eat at all, or eat unhealthy snacks at random hours – some others might begin eating way too much. According to Dr. Gary Kenedy of the Montefiore Medical Center, New York:

A sudden change in weight, either gaining or losing, can be a warning of depression, especially in someone who has other symptoms of depression or a history of depression.

#4. Insomnia

A WebMD report says that 80% of people with depression suffer from lack of sleep or having broken sleep. Insomnia and depression work in a mutually reinforcing cycle, while insomnia can trigger your depression, having depression can cause insomnia as well.

If you or someone you know is not able to fall asleep or get a full 8 hours of sleep, then depression is highly likely.

#5. Substance abuse

Substance abuse is very common among the people suffering with depression. Most people seek refuge in alcohol, cigarettes or other substances that might help them escape reality and feel differently for a while. But dependency on these substances increases soon, and since these things are not good for health – a kind of guilt builds up.

If you or someone you know is engaging in excessive substance consumption then it’s important to know that the guilt only makes matters worse, by reinforcing depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.

#6. Faking emotions

Many people going through a constant battle of depression know that their friends and family is going to judge them in the wrong way. In general, people are so misinformed about mental health issues that they give bad advice, show fake sympathy or even pity, and some of them even start to blame the person who has the problem.

To counter this, people suffering with depression start faking their emotions. They make small talk and avoid most conversations. If you notice this in someone, try to reach out – but only to listen and help, not to judge or offer unsolicited advice.

#7. They spend too much time at work

Some people engross themselves in work to escape from the real life and the depression that it causes. It’s easy to get lost in the repetitive mechanical process of modern corporate jobs, and the repetitiveness of such jobs numbs the mind.

Some others also stay for longer hours at work to avoid being alone with their thoughts in their room. If you find someone doing this, then they might be suffering from depression.

Final thoughts

Brain is just another body organ and it falls sick like everything else. It’s important to know that if you have depression then it is not your fault, and it’s okay to seek help and get treatment. It’s okay to take breaks and take rest, and it’s okay to break off toxic relationships and remove toxic people from your life. It’s okay to cry sometimes, and it’s okay to do whatever it is that you do as a coping mechanism.

If you know someone who suffers from depression, then understand that it is not their fault. Please do not judge them or blame them for their problems, do not offer unsolicited advice – all that you need to do is to be present, listen to them, and ask what you can do for them to make them feel better. Most depressed people just need someone with a little love and a little care.

Featured Image Courtesy: Washington Post

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