Six silent signs of depression.

In addition to the typical sadness we usually associate with depression, there are more subtle behaviors that can hide this problem.

What you may not know is that depression can set in at any point in life, and we should be aware of the silent signs that accompany it.

With this knowledge, you will be better prepared to know if you or a close family member is starting to feel it. Watch for these silent signs of depression and don't hesitate to ask for help when they show up in your life.

1. Irritability, one of the main silent signs of depression.

It is common to think that depression is necessarily accompanied by sadness and tears. However, you should know that some people feel irritable and angry at her. This does not mean that sadness is not present. This is just another way to experience and externalize emotions.

For this reason, you should be on the lookout for these mood swings. Don't get the idea that it's your fault or your lack of patience. Take a moment to understand what is happening to you and consider the possibility that it is depression.

2. Difficulty sleeping.

Spending a night having trouble sleeping is normal. Stress, everyday worries and responsibilities can occupy your mind and prevent you from resting. However, this situation usually passes quickly when you find the solution to your problems.

If sleep is a constant problem with no medical cause, take a break. Many people with depression find it difficult to fall asleep, while others oversleep.

Analyze your sleep habits and identify any recent changes. Do you have trouble sleeping? Can you spend more hours sleeping than usual? What thoughts do you have before and after sleeping?

3. Decrease in energy levels.

Before, did you go to work, go out with friends and still have the energy to play a sport? Now, any task leaves you without energy? Over the years, it's normal for your energy levels to drop.

What's unusual is that you suddenly don't feel like doing anything. Depression drains all of your energy and leaves you in a lethargic state. The things that used to inspire you and the dreams that motivated you no longer matter.

Depression makes you feel that many things no longer make sense. You will stop trying to reach your goals and give up long before you set others.

4. Guilt.

Blaming yourself excessively and without reason is unhealthy. Depression will make you feel guilty about everything. If you've been blaming yourself for everything from your divorce to your adult children's problems, you need to analyze what's going on.

Some people display guilt as the first symptom of depression. Others have guilt and sadness, or guilt and anger. Before you start criticizing yourself or believing that you are exaggerating the situation, try to identify what you feel most and why.

5. Excessive extroversion.

It may not seem like it, but many people hide their depression behind their smiles. In such cases, it is more difficult to identify this condition. If you are one of these people, it is important that you understand that no one will judge you or criticize you for your emotions. Among the most common behaviors of depressives who try to appear extraverted are:

Risky sexual behaviors.

Gambling addiction.

Drug use and abuse.

You might think these behaviors will help you see a better side to life. However, the best way to deal with your problems is to take control of them.

6. Concentration Problems.

If you are having trouble staying focused, this could be a sign of depression. People with this problem often have difficulty remembering where they left their things or what they had to do.

It is important that you learn to differentiate between distraction caused by your obligations and distraction caused by depression. Are you more focused on your problems? Has your productivity been affected even if your routine is the same?

Don't be afraid to ask for help in the face of these silent signs of depression.

If you have a suspicion of depression, don't hesitate to seek help. This is a much more serious problem than it might first appear. The good news is that taking care of it is very simple: just make the decision and seek help.

Sources:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression