Depression is oftentimes misunderstood. If people think about it, they might see someone who looks very sad, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. But depression is much deeper — manifesting in ways that others (and even the person who has depression) may not understand at first.
It is important to know these hidden signs to prevent them from becoming too severe and to seek professional treatment for depression as soon as possible. In this blog, we will dig into some of the not-so-familiar symptoms of depression and how to see if you or someone you know is suffering.
1. The Facade of Functionality
Many people with depression can manage their day-to-day activities, so people assume that everything is fine. Often this is referred to as “high functional depression.
For someone with high-functioning depression, they may go to work, take care of their family, and fulfill all of their obligations, while emotionally numb or feeling hopelessly depressed from within. Often feeling tired but they keep going with their daily routine. Since they look OK, people — including friends, family, and doctors — fail to notice their depression.
2. Emotional Numbness
Sometimes depression isn’t about sadness. That may also be accompanied by the experience of emotional numbness detachment, or lack of feeling; some describe this feeling as though they are looking at their life from outside. People might not be able to connect themselves emotionally to other people or feel joy, excitement, or even sadness.
Particularly confusing for loved ones is this emotional flatness. They may appear indifferent or withdrawn, and someone once vibrant may seem so. They don’t show up in conversations and can seem disconnected like they’re not very present like they have checked out.
3. Physical Symptoms with No Clear Cause
People with depression may experience aches and pains, such as headaches, back pain, or muscle tension, which they cannot explain. Even after medical tests exclude other potential causes, these can persist as physical symptoms.
This is a really important connection between depression and physical health because a lot of people who are depressed are going to go to a doctor for their physical symptoms and do not realize this is the underlying mental health problem.
4. Sleep Issues: Too Much or Too Little
Sleep disturbances are another common, but often overlooked sign of depression. However, some people have difficulty sleeping, awake at night thinking their thoughts run through unceasingly. Others might find they have hypersomnia, sleeping so much they sleep themselves to escape emotional pain.
People with depression can even sleep but may wake up still feeling tired like they have never slept. And that constant exhaustion can make you feel hopeless, adding to the cycle of weariness that takes so much effort to get out of the first place.
Do you see any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you?
If these hidden signs of depression sound like something you’ve been going through, take action. If you ignore the signs of depression, it can end up worsening these in the future. Orlando Treatment Solutions specifically treats depression with a variety of evidence-based therapy options designed for a person’s specific needs. Our caring team wants you or your loved ones to get some relief and feel more relaxed in hope.
If you are troubled by depression, contact us today to learn more about our depression treatment program and get started on your road to healing.
5. A Tendency to Irritability or Anger
Depression is usually accompanied by feelings of sadness, but it can also be characterized by irritability and even anger. Especially as men are more likely to confine their depression to frustration or aggression than withdrawal or sadness.
For instance, people who are depressed can be easily annoyed by small things, or they may feel ‘restless’ — that is unable to explain why, but it is there. This irritability places strain on relationships, especially if loved ones can not understand the reasons for it and, out of concern for the integrity of the person, withdraw further.
6. Social Withdrawal and Social Isolation
The urge to isolate is very strong for many people living with depression. They may cancel plans, avoid socialization, or completely withdraw from their friends and family. What’s tricky about this symptom is that it often snowballs: The more someone isolates themselves, the more disconnected and solitary they become and then more depressed.
Social withdrawal is not always withdrawal from people. But not everyone acts the same way; some continue to interact with other people but feel emotionally distant or distanced.
7. Engaging in Risky Behavior
Depressed people might act recklessly or dangerously to get their feelings out of the way. That could be substance abuse or gambling or impulsively making decisions like quitting a job or dissipating a relationship.
Sometimes these behaviors are used to numb the emotional pain or to attempt to relieve one’s hopelessness in the moment — but for a limited amount of time. Nevertheless, almost the opposite of this happens and such actions worsen the individual’s mental state, which results in a higher level of guilt, shame, or self-hatred.
8. Decision Making and Concentration Problems
Cognitive impairment is another hidden sign of depression, which affects a person’s ability to concentrate, or make decisions. On simple choices like what to have for lunch or what road to take to work, it can feel overwhelming.
Depression can also come with this mental fog and can be just as present in work or school, as those with the condition might find it hard to stay focused, complete tasks, or meet deadlines. It’s not that they don’t want to do these things — they’re just too mentally exhausted to think clearly.
How to Support Someone with Signs of Depression
The first step is realizing the signs of depression are there to be found. How do you help someone who seems to be struggling in silence?
- Start a conversation: So when you see someone, approach them gently and with no judgment. Sometimes all it takes is someone looking at you and saying they care, which can be the first step toward healing.
- Offer practical support: Causing them to help you with things like grocery shopping and child care. The smallest responsibilities can turn out to be impossible even for the most depressed patient.
- Encourage professional help: If you think the person simply needs help that can be provided by professionals, suggest therapy or a treatment program. Promote the opportunity to refer them to a mental health provider, and if they accept, help take them to their first appointment.
Depression is a complicated, multi-faceted condition that does not always present the way it is supposed to. Millions more people could be helped if those around them had the skills and confidence to recognize the hidden signs that someone isn’t doing well mentally and offer the kind of support they need earlier before their mental health deteriorates further.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of these hidden signs of depression the one thing never to be afraid to do is request help. When it comes to comprehensive treatment programs Orlando Treatment Solutions offers exactly what you need. We are dedicated to assisting you in getting your mental health back under control and achieving a satisfying life, whether through therapy counseling, or other interventions.
To find out about our specialized depression treatment options please be in touch with us today.
