Depression is not always obvious. In most cases, people with depression do not talk to anyone about it. They normally keep it to themselves and do what they can to cope with it.

This can be dangerous because it means that people suffering from depression are not receiving enough support. It is especially difficult for friends and family members to detect when someone is suffering from depression. This is because there are many “informal” symptoms to look for.

What Are The Informal Symptoms of Depression?

Below are some of the less-known informal symptoms of depression.

1. Irritability

People often associate depression with sadness. However, it is also possible for a depressed person to become irritable for no apparent reason. In some cases, depression can lead to feelings of rage, passive aggression or intense frustration.

2. Loss of Interest

When someone is depressed, they may lose interest in things they usually enjoy. This can include hobbies, socialising or spending time with friends and family members.

A lack of enthusiasm, pleasurelessness or boredom can be a telltale indicator of depression.

3. Concentration Difficulties

Depression can make it difficult for someone to focus on anything. They may struggle with even basic tasks like reading, responding to emails or paying attention in class. This may lead to a sense of numbness or trouble recalling simple details.

4. Sleep Disturbances

Depression can cause sleep disturbances like insomnia or hypersomnia. Unfortunately, this often becomes a vicious cycle; depression can cause sleep problems, and the lack of sleep can make depression worse.

5. Appetite Changes

Depression can suppress someone’s appetite or cause them to overeat unexpectedly. This often leads to changes in weight and body shape, even without trying to lose or gain weight.

6. Self-Criticism or Blame

When someone is depressed, they may become very self-critical. They may blame themselves for everything that goes wrong or see themselves as less valuable than they are.

Low self-esteem is very common in people with depression and can lead to guilt over things they cannot control.

7. Suicidal Thoughts

When someone is severely depressed, they may experience feelings of hopelessness. This can lead to suicidal thoughts or ideation.

8. Substance Abuse

People can use drugs or alcohol to cope with depression symptoms. People with depression are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to substances than the general population.

Substance abuse can worsen depression and leads to self-destructive behaviors.

9. Somatic Complaints

Depression can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue or gastrointestinal problems. However, there is no apparent physical damage in these cases.

These physical changes may be the only way to acknowledge their depression or as an excuse for missing work or other obligations.

10. Apathy

Individuals with depression might exhibit loss of interests, energy, or motivation. This can lead to a decrease in productivity, feelings of worthlessness or futurelessness, and less desire to participate in the activities that they used to enjoy.

: Conclusion

Recognizing symptoms of depression is crucial to provide support and ensure that the affected individual receives appropriate treatment before matters get worse.

Although these symptoms may seem informal, they usually have significant ramifications to an individual’s quality of life. A medical professional can diagnose anyone who thinks they may be suffering from depression. It is essential that people suffering from depression receive treatment as soon as possible to manage the symptoms and prevent suicide.