Depression's insidious. It may sneak up on you and change costumes at parties. You can have depression without "feeling sad." Many depressed people sense numbness and emptiness before sorrow.
These indicators may imply depression:
Pessimism Or Hopelessness
Depression often causes hopelessness. Major depression may cause you to question your purpose in life or feel hopeless. "What's the point?" is commonly asked.
Feelings Of Guilt Or Worthlessness
"I'm a lousy friend/partner/parent/employee" is another depression-induced one-hit-wonder. Depression may gradually erode your self-esteem.
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Irritability And Anger
Depression may be to blame if everything irritates you. Sudden rage or irritation may indicate a deeper issue.
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Dissociation
Lack of feeling is a symptom of depression and trauma.
Loss Of Interest
Do you care less about what you used to? Are there hobbies or activities you no longer enjoy? Are your favorite TV programs no longer funny?
Depression drains pleasure from things that used to matter.
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Lack Of Motivation
Are you dreading work or everyday tasks? Is your day a struggle? Is morning motivation difficult? These are linked to depression.
Sleep Or Appetite Changes
Oversleeping or undersleeping might indicate depression. Food cravings may also change.
Persistent Anxiety
Anxiety commonly co-occurs with depression. If your anxiety rises, your sadness may too.
Mood Swings
"Emotional reactivity" is my preferred term. Do you provoke easily? Do you get emotionally unstable? Do lows feel exceptionally low? Can't locate your baseline? Depression may cause these.
Reckless Behavior
Naturally, "reckless" is subjective, but observe whether your risk-taking increases. This may involve drug or alcohol abuse or neglecting your own safety (like driving without a seatbelt when you typically would).
Suicidal conduct might result from a "death desire."
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Suicidality
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's not always evident to the person going through it.
Do you ever feel that everything would be better off without you? When you leave, do you stress about who will take care of your pets? Do you ever wish you wouldn't have to face the day or that something bad would happen to you so that you wouldn't have to? Such fleeting ideation might be indicative of suicidal ideation.
You should know that you are not alone if you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts. Now is the time to get assistance:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available anytime at (988).
- Send the word "HOME" to the Crisis Textline at (741) 17441.
- Away from the USA? Befrienders Worldwide may connect you with a support group in your region.
In reality, depression is more complex than just feeling down. It's a tricky mental illness with a wide range of symptoms.
If you're questioning whether or not you're depressed, it's safe to assume that you probably are. If anybody knows you, it's you. Talking to a mental health expert can't harm you if you're having doubts.
Even if you are not feeling sad or experiencing mood swings, you should still tell someone you trust that you need additional help since many individuals have very little emotion or responsiveness while they are depressed.
You are worthy of support, friendship, and help no matter how your depression manifests itself in your life.
If you're feeling down, empty, or numb, don't hesitate to reach out for additional support. Even when the symptoms don't "usually" align with depression, it doesn't imply it isn't there.
Don't wait for things to become intolerable before seeking help. There's no need to wait until the proverbial "piano drops" on your noggin.
You need assistance right now, and you deserve to get it. You need to be backed up right now. Don't sit on your hands; raise the alarm and obtain assistance immediately.
