Depression is one of the most harmful mental health conditions, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Most people just think depression is severe sadness, but the reality is that this mental disease can present itself in many different ways. There are a variety of symptoms associated with depression.
Fatigue
Many people with depression end up feeling constantly exhausted. This sense of overwhelming fatigue is actually more common than feelings of sadness, and it is both mental and physical. Part of the fatigue is just a mental sensation of lack of interest, energy, and enthusiasm. It is also a physical feeling of exhaustion because depression can cause insomnia that makes it tricky to get a full night of sleep. Though some experience insomnia, other people with fatigue can end up sleeping unusually long periods of time.
Personality Changes
A common sign of depression is a noticeable personality change. People who were previously friendly and polite may become rude and grumpy. Formerly outgoing people may find themselves becoming introverted. Those who used to have a passionate interest in a hobby may suddenly stop participating in the hobby or activity. These personality changes can be difficult for others to understand, so it can lead to isolation from a person’s social circle.
Persistent Negative Feelings
Depression can cause a variety of negative feelings. People with depression may experience sensations of worthlessness or guilt that are severe enough to lead to self-hatred. They may also feel so sad, upset, or anxious that it impairs their daily functioning. Some people with depression may have a cause for these feelings, such as unemployment or the death of a loved one, while others may experience these feelings without any underlying cause.
General Malaise
Those with depression can experience malaise, which is a general feeling of being unwell. It can cause all sorts of vague aches, cramps, stomach troubles, and pains. This occurs because constant mental stress can negatively affect a person’s physical health. The health problems associated with depression are typically difficult to diagnose, change frequently, and persist even after treatment.
Apathy
People with depression may not feel like they are suffering from any negative feelings. Instead of feeling sad or mad, some experience depression as a lack of all feelings. This sort of apathy can prevent people with depression from feeling joyful during happy moments or upset during sad moments. People might struggle to feel love for friends and family members, and they might find themselves unable to grieve when bad events occur.
Changes in Daily Habits
Many people with depression no longer follow typical routines. Some might stop eating, while others eat excessively. This means that depression symptoms can include an unusual amount of weight gain or weight loss. People with depression also suffer from unusual sleep patterns, a lack of interest in grooming, and difficulty going to work and school at proper times.
Self-Harm Thoughts or Attempts
Self-harm can be both mild injuries or suicide. It presents in a variety of ways, including cutting, burning, scraping, scratching, or puncturing. For some people with depression, it can be a way to jolt themselves into feeling something, and for some, it is a way of manifesting the self-hatred some feel. Those with depression may not actually harm themselves, but they might still suffer from constantly intrusive thoughts about these topics.
Irritability
Some people with depression may feel irritable and restless. This can manifest through twitchy movements, sudden outbursts, or frequent grumpiness. The irritability associated with depression can be expressed towards one’s self, loved ones, strangers, or even inanimate objects.
Keep in mind that depression varies greatly from person to person. One person may display all typical symptoms of depression while another person may only have one or two symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of depression. Contact a doctor or mental health professional for more assistance.
