Signs Of Depression You May Not Be Aware Of
Sadness is different from depression, and the former may be a more severe form than the latter. Also, you may encounter grief in your life, but it doesn’t mean you have depression. However, you can be in a state of sadness and depression at the same time. Certain people might not be aware they already have depression. Continue reading to know four hidden warning signs that you may already have depression.
1. Unusual Living Patterns
A person who suddenly changes their sleeping, eating, or drinking habits may be a sign that something is wrong. For instance, sleep is a critical component for a stable foundation of good physical and mental health. One cause of insomnia is when a person has too much on their mind. Thinking about what might or might not happen may cause an individual to develop feelings of anxiety. In turn, it may lead to feelings of heightened sadness as negative thoughts may come to mind.
Not getting enough sleep at night may be a common occurrence for specific people. However, if it happens more frequently than usual, then it’s a sign there’s something amiss.
Aside from abrupt changes in sleeping patterns, you may experience sudden changes in eating and drinking habits. For example, you may gain temporary solace from binging on junk food or drowning in alcohol. Feeding yourself with happiness-inducing foods may help you feel empty inside. However, once that feeling of fullness starts to dissipate, you might go back to square one.
If you think your regular daily habits have abrupt changes, and you think you have depression because of it, consult mental health specialists like those found in Direct Focus Solutions.
2. Pessimistic Thoughts
It may be a typical human trait to become pessimistic when looking at specific scenarios. However, if pessimism becomes a daily habit, then it might be more than just simple negative thoughts. Individuals with gloomy thoughts may enter a realm called “depressive realism.” People who may have depression enter a world wherein they’re in control of events to turn almost any outlook into a negative outcome.
If left unchecked, the negative thought patterns may evolve into suicidal tendencies. People who have a major depressive disorder may have a negative view of past, present, and future events. Thinking of what might happen even if the event is highly unlikely to take place may also be a possible symptom of clinical depression.
3. Drowning in Work
Depressed people may not want to associate themselves with other people. These individuals may think that they’re better off running their daily lives without the help of others. Disassociation becomes a norm, and work-related activities become a boon as it isolates the person from other individuals.
The mind may work on autopilot when you’re working while depressed. It’s a way to try and shut off any feelings and thoughts deemed unnecessary. A depressed person may structure their time by letting their professions take up most of the day. Once that day is over, there’s nothing left to do but go home and sleep.
4. Exhaustion and Fatigue
When the mind seems to be at work all the time, then you might feel too fatigued to continue with specific tasks. Constant exhaustion may be a hidden sign of depression. The disorder may become apparent when you can’t figure out the cause of your sudden lethargic behavior.
Everyday tasks may now look like chores. Also, you may find it exceedingly difficult to get out of bed in the morning, even though you didn’t do any strenuous activities the day before. There might also come a time when you might blame yourself for the sudden laziness. In doing so, the rush of negative thoughts may cause low self-esteem.
It’s best to talk to someone who you hold close to your heart about your current situation. Talk to your friends, family, or colleagues at work whom you trust. Tell these people about your recent fatigue spells, and how it’s questionable why it’s been happening even though you’re not doing any laborious activities.
Take note of thecauses of depression. Don’t limit yourself to understanding the apparent signs of being depressed. This disorder may come from nowhere, so knowing about the hidden symptoms may help keep you from suffering more than you should. Last, talk to a professional when you’re ready. It may be challenging to talk about your feelings. However, always remember that someone is still willing to lend an ear to listen to your thoughts. Depression is a self-destructive disorder, but you will always have a chance at having a better life without it.