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You could be overlooking these 5 signs of depression because they are very stealthy
Depression is not one size fits all. We have come a long way from the past but it can still be easy to get lost.
While there are typical symptoms, depression can look different from one person to another. In fact, there are plenty of ways in which depression can manifest itself far beyond the symptoms known as crying, low mood and loss of interest.
1. Very rapid weight changes
The question “Have you lost weight?” Is often considered a compliment. Generally, in our culture, weight loss is a positive sign of health and care. However, involuntary weight loss, particularly pronounced weight loss in a short period of time, can be a very astute symptom of adult depression.
The increase or decrease of appetite is a secondary chemical effect of depression. So if you have gone from eating 3 meals a day and a snack to a single meal and a snack, beware, it can be a sign of depression.
2. A lot of temperament
In our minds, depression equals severe sadness, the end of history. But for many people it can manifest with aggressive behavior and bad temper. Just as people with depression may find themselves crying without knowing why, they may find themselves just as easily irritable and impulsive without understanding it.
3. Boredom
One of the classic symptoms of depression is the loss of interest or pleasure. We tend to imagine that it goes hand in hand with feelings of sadness and loss but the fact is, that it is rather a feeling similar to boredom. Things stop sounding fun and it seems that it’s not worth the effort. Little by little you stop doing activities until only the simplest and least demanding (naps, watch TV, surf the internet…) remain.
4. Pains and discomfort
Until recently, somatic symptoms did not enter the radar of most mental health professionals, but signs of physical pain are now considered an alert for depression. These can range from hypersensitivity in the skin to muscle pain, stiffness or even stomach and digestive problems.
Start by ruling out other causes to determine if the pain you are experiencing may be related to depression or a medical problem. If there is no medical explanation or your symptoms do not improve with time and care, the roots are probably born of stress and psychological distress.
5. Difficulty in making decisions
We all find it difficult to make decisions from time to time. But from there you have to fight with such everyday decisions as what to wear to go to work or what to eat a world.
The mental anguish and low energy that accompanies depression can often make decision making paralyzing and send the person into a spiral of anguish and confusion.
People overwhelmed by depressive indecision can be distressed by choosing a simple movie or by choosing between a plastic bag or paper in the supermarket. If you are struggling with any of these problems, especially in combination with “classic” depressive symptoms, it may be time to seek professional support. The history of depression can be frightening, but in fact it is also a disease with a long history of successful treatment.