You probably have a general idea of what depression looks like, such as feeling down.
However, you may not know the many other different symptoms of depression and how they manifest themselves.
Being aware of these symptoms is helpful when you’re concerned about whether you or someone you know has depression.
Common Symptoms of Depression
It’s helpful to review what are most commonly considered depression symptoms. These include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Lacking interest in activities that you once enjoyed
- Blaming yourself or feeling worthless
In the most extreme cases, thoughts of death, suicide, or attempting to carry out suicide occur. If this is the case for you, make sure to get professional help right away.
Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about less known depression symptoms.
Sleep Problems
One of the many different symptoms of depression includes sleep problems. This includes sleeping too much, not getting enough sleep, or an inability to sleep restfully throughout the night.
People who have insomnia have a much higher risk of developing depression. This makes sense, as humans need sleep to recharge. When you don’t get enough sleep it can negatively affect your brain. That means your ability to cope with difficult emotions, such as depression, only gets worse.
Anger
Another symptom that you don’t always associate with depression is anger. The stereotype of a depressed person is someone who is despondent or sad. They are in a more passive role.
Yet, anger is the complete opposite of passivity. So why get angry?
One explanation is that when depressed you have a lot of negative feelings and thoughts towards yourself. These thoughts only exacerbate already existing shame that you already carry. In turn, this fosters anger toward yourself.
Change of Appetite
You might not have realized it, but changes in your appetite is another of the various different symptoms of depression.
Loss of appetite is not unheard of with depression. This is because when depressed you lose the motivation to want to eat. On the other hand, depression can also drive you to overeat. In this way, you use food as a way to cope with the negative feelings and emotions associated with depression.
Paying attention to any changes in your eating habits is a clue that something is off.
Inability to Think
When depressed you also struggle with not being able to think clearly. You may walk around as if you are in a fog, and it becomes difficult to make decisions.
This is a big problem, as the inability to think makes it harder to make good choices that are healthy. Instead of using positive ways to cope with depression (exercise, talking to someone, etc.), you may use negative choices such as substance abuse.
Plus, the fog created by depression hinders your ability to find a clear solution to the problem.
Physical Problems
You may not realize it, but your headache or back pain can also be one of the countless different symptoms of depression.
Unexplained physical problems are actually caused by depression. They can throw you off track from the source of the issue. And they also make your situation worse because you are in pain.
Getting a Diagnosis
Clearly, different symptoms of depression manifest themselves in distinct ways. Some are obvious, but others are less so. If you’re concerned that either yourself or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, don’t try to address the issue alone.
Note that just because you know the different symptoms of depression does not mean that you can make a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make a comprehensive diagnosis.
However, if you suspect that you or someone you’re close to suffers from depression, it’s time to get professional help. That way you can assure that you or they will be getting on the path towards recovery soon.