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Can I be depressed and not know it?

195 Answers
Last Updated: 05/12/2020 at 11:04pm
Can I be depressed and not know it?
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Tara Davis, Doctorate in Counselling Psychology

Psychologist

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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 10th, 2015 10:04am
Yes. Sometimes it helps to go to a professional to make sure, but it is also important to assess your emotions every now and then.
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2016 1:46pm
Distracting yourself is not going to give you depression but feeling sad for no apparent reason, crying yourself to sleep, and not getting enough sleep but my answer is yes, depression isn't noticeable or visible for the people diagnosed with it
soothingHeart91
January 14th, 2016 5:15pm
Yes it is possible to be depressed and not realize or mistake the symptoms for something else. For instance a person may feel worthless or have symptoms of low self esteem and not relate it to depression, or feel tired and/or despondant and think they have a physical condition other than being depressed.
magnificentJules
January 14th, 2016 4:12am
Yes! Often times depression hides itself in various other manifestations, such as inability to focus, messiness, overeating, hyperactivity, etc.
Crest
January 14th, 2016 3:32am
Very possible, especially in lesser cases of it, but it would also confirm the diagnosis, considering how "hidden" it is, that it is not severe, if you refer to a general collection of cases as evidence.
pelizzijojo13
January 13th, 2016 11:09pm
1. Well do you have like Intense Sadness that just wont like fade away? Like the difference between sadness and depression is that one is temporary while the other lingers. While people can typically get over whatever has caused them to feel sad, depression clamps down and does not let go that easily. 2. Do you have a lost intrest in life or activities that you once enjoyed? also like even if you're not feeling sad, you could still be depressed. Feeling apathetic, numb or empty are also symptoms. They lead to no longer having any interest in doing things you once enjoyed. 3. Do you get angry really fast and really wanna fight a person that annoys you completely? If you find yourself involved in more arguments, especially ones that tend to escalate quickly, chances are you're struggling with unresolved anger, which has led to depression. 4. (last one) Would you like rather be alone and not be with friends or with anyone?? some people with this mental condition have no desire to be around others. They shut down and shut others out, which in fact only makes it worse. suggestions that may help pull you out of depression if you are experiencing it: --Seek a professional or someone close you can confide in --Stay connected to the outside world, especially your family and friends --Avoid alcohol or any other drug substance not prescribed to you --Socialize with people who provide a positive influence in your life --Help out others or volunteer somewhere to get the focus off of you --Join a support group
mike251
January 13th, 2016 5:24pm
Yes you can, because depression makes you feel hopeless. Also, can suffer from something like dysthymia, where you suffer from chronic low level depression. If you have never seen the light, or cannot remember feeling happy you may not realize that there is something outside of your depression.
comfortingLioness25
January 13th, 2016 4:49pm
Yes. Many people are oblivious to their own sadness and grief. This makes it difficult for them to seek help.
TomorrowsFaith
January 13th, 2016 4:52am
Often depression is brought on by certain situations, or other circumstances. It is unlikely to be depressed and not know it, as depression can drag one down to sleeplessness, feeling lonely, distraught and desperate. However some people can feel it in waves, coming and going, though it is always there, there is momentary distraction that allows someone to feel at ease if even for a short while.
Happyness7
January 13th, 2016 4:23am
Of course. Depression is very sneaky and sometimes you don't realize it's affecting you that much.
Jess8484
January 10th, 2016 8:32am
Yes you can definitely be depressed and not know about it! Infect, most people who are diagnosed as depressed have been suffering without knowing it. If you are feeling very sad, especially tired, stressed, upset or hopeless then you should definitely speak to a professional for advise and help as soon as possible.
Anonymous
January 10th, 2016 3:44am
Yes. For a while I just thought that I was stressed, which I was but it was more than that. It took me having a really big breakdown to realize that this was not normal stress and sadness. I sought out help and now I'm doing much better. I hope this encourages people to seek help even if they are unsure if they have depression. Regardless of whether someone has a mental illness or not, everyone can benefit from talking to someone once in a while about their mental health.
gracefulPalm90
January 9th, 2016 7:37pm
Sometimes depression can occur in different ways and Yes! it is possible to be depressed and not understand that i is depression. Depression can make you feel tired, sad and can change the way you operate on a daily basis such as: (1) not enjoying activities, (2) not wanting to eat, or (c) feelings of sadness or feeling "blue"
incrediblePurple91
January 9th, 2016 4:20pm
Absolutely. Most of the time depression sneaks up on us and we do not realize we are depressed until it is pointed out by someone close to us or we come to a breaking point. If you think you are depressed, there is no shame in seeing a doctor. If you're not depressed, they will help you get through whatever it is that is making you feel as if you are!
Anonymous
January 9th, 2016 5:22am
Yes, it is possible to not know that you are depressed. It is quite common to people that they are not aware of the symptoms and it makes them not realize about the depression.
gentlethinking23
January 9th, 2016 12:55am
Possibly... If you tend to hide your feelings you may be depressed without knowing it but at some point you can tell you are
serenitynow04
January 8th, 2016 3:07pm
Yes. I think depression is like a dark hole. You can't see out. And sometimes you don't even realize your in it.
Geminisecret
January 8th, 2016 3:16am
yes you can, sometimes you dont notice that you wont go out with friends, listen music, dance and smile, it happens communly
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 7:26pm
It's a possibility, but most likely you would be aware. Though sometimes it can be hard to tell. You should talk to someone you trust about it to determine what to do. Just remember to stay strong love!
thelittlepsychologist
December 24th, 2015 7:03pm
It's possible. Some individuals display symptoms of depression that don't necessarily articulate "normal" depression. Irritability and anxiety are two symptoms that can present themselves when depression is oncoming and these don't seem like regular depressive symptoms for some people.
Nikita9876
December 27th, 2015 9:50pm
I think sometimes you don't realise that you're depressed, because you think it's normal and everyone is feeling down sometimes. So yes, I think that's possible. If you think you're depressed, you should deffinitely see a doctor.
radiantFlute19
December 27th, 2015 10:25pm
At first yes, but then you will begin getting feelings, or thoughts, that your normal self wouldn't. That is when you need to seek help.
Anonymous
December 30th, 2015 6:10am
Yes of course, especially if you show symptoms of it. You may not realize it at the time, and thats okay!
highopes
December 30th, 2015 11:17am
yes sometimes it's possible especially when you're sad from something that is distracting you from realizing that you are depressed
alansam123
December 31st, 2015 11:23am
Yea you can! Depression is quite dangerous,if you face loss of concentration,negative thinking, lack in confidence high chances are that you suffering depression
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 11:13pm
Absolutely. A large portion of the mind is occupied by unconscious thoughts and emotions. You can definitely not realize it.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2016 8:54pm
i would like to answer with another question : can you be happy and not know it?
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 5:27pm
Many people assume that depression is easily identifiable, manifesting itself as persistent sadness that doesn't lift.As subtle and confusing as signs of depression can sometimes be.Depression is no fashionable affliction. In it is real, insidious, and when in full bloom, debilitating. Yet far too many people are oblivious to their own deep sadness or simply refuse to recognize it.
FirmThoughts
January 2nd, 2016 5:49pm
Yes, when you're unproductive to something you do, and having no interest at all. Then you are possibly experiencing depression.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 3:34pm
I think it's pretty easy to be depressed and not know it, because sometimes depression sneaks itself past you without you realizing it's there; and then, it just slowly weighs you down. If it's your first time 'being' depressed, it's normal for you you not to recognize it, because it is foreign to your feelings and emotions.