Depression comes in many shapes and forms. Some people may try to hide the signs from others, and others might not even realize that they have it. Although well-known symptoms such as sadness or hopelessness can be easy to recognize, some are harder to spot – because depression is more than sadness.
Here are some signs of depression to look out for:
- Changes in sleep habits – someone sleeping more than usual can be a sign that a person may have depression.
- Alcohol and drug use – Some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to help them cope with negative emotions, such as sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness.
- Negative self-talk – Negative self-talk is an inner dialogue that is damaging and self-critical. Many people with depression experience negative self-talk and default to harmful, critical thoughts toward themselves.
- Fatigue – Feeling excessively tired is a very common symptom of depression. Some research suggests that more than 90% of people with depression experience fatigue.
- Forced happiness – Sometimes, people refer to hidden depression as “smiling depression”, because people who hide their symptoms may ensure that their face appears happy while in the company of others, even though they may be feeling intense feelings of gloom on the inside.
- Personality changes – Some people who mask their depression experience personality changes. They may become more quiet and withdrawn, or they may be angry and irritable.
People with these symptoms and signs of depression should consider seeking help from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or psychotherapist. They may also wish to get support from loved ones.
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