There is more talk about mental health today than ever before. In general, this is a very good thing. People feel heard and understood and validated. We’ve reduced the social stigma and helped guide higher numbers of folks to get the help they need.
Even so, we live in a world of news feeds and algorithms. This means you can more easily get stuck in an information loop. In terms of mental health, this also means we only get part of the story. Take depression, for example. Important conversations are being had.
But, did you know there are depression symptoms that often get ignored?
Depression is Much More Than Feeling Down
It is normal to have times when you feel blue. Depression, on the other hand, is a diagnosable mental health disorder that dramatically impacts your daily life. At least three million Americans are diagnosed with depression each year. Among thing things, those people may lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. In more severe cases, the person might feel worthless. There are also physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and low energy. Moving along the spectrum of severity, depression can also become as serious as fixations on thoughts of death and/or suicide.
Any of the above-mentioned symptoms would jump out to you or those around you as a red flag. However, there are other, more subtle signs to look for.
4 Subtle Symptoms of Depression You May Not Have Known About
1. Forced Smiles and Happiness
This is sometimes called “smiling depression.” People with depression are sometimes not in any hurry to have their condition openly known or discussed. So, they hide the red flags. They “put on a happy face” when around other people. Look closer and you will see evidence of loneliness or hopelessness just below the surface.
People may feel the need to hide their depression due feelings of:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Fear of appearing weak
- Not wanting to be a burden to others
2. Risky or Anti-Social Behaviors
This can manifest in active choices like infidelity, reckless driving, gambling, and so on. Perhaps the more common choice is avoiding or numbing feelings through alcohol or drug abuse. Studies have found that over 20 percent of people with a mood disorder also have a problem with substance abuse.
These are unhealthy coping skills designed to balance out the inner pain. If someone in our life is suddenly indulging in risky choices, it should set off an alarm.
3. Decreased Sex Drive
Sure, this can fall under the banner of “may lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed.” But this particular sign is its own category. In fact, many mental health practitioners view low libido as a potential key indicator of a depressive disorder.
Other symptoms of depression can also play a role in changes in one’s sex drive, e.g. decreased self-esteem and general fatigue.
4. Perfectionism
Perfectionism involves a very black-and-white, all-or-nothing type of thinking. Such unrealistic expectations can set you up to feel low self-worth. You may believe you must be “perfect” to be accepted or loved. Any mistake you make or flaw you display creates self-blame and shame.
Think about someone you know who appears very hard on themselves. They may evolve into taking fewer and fewer risks. Retreating to what seems to be a comfort zone and being self critical are some of the many paths that can lead to depression.
How to Get the Full Story on Depression
There’s more to depression than what you may read on social media. To get the full story, it’s suggested you speak with an experienced therapist. Let’s connect via a free consultation to get that process started.
Click here for more information on Depression Treatment.