Some types of Depression include:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Psychotic Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Treatment Resistant Depression
It is however not very easy to identify if a person is suffering from depression. While lack of appetite, lack of concentration, sleep disorder, lack of energy, reduced interest in activities, etc, are some known symptoms of Depression, they’re not completely helpful to identify the problem. In addition, there may be also other hidden symptoms that may go unnoticed. So, here are 5 hidden symptoms of depression, that you should know about!
1. Anger and Irritability:
Anger is a common trait found in all humans. So just normal anger cannot be considered as a symptom of Depression. However, if you or someone around you are constantly angry or irritated, then it is a cause of worry. More so, there should be a valid reason for anger. If the reason they cite are silly or small, then the cause of irritability may be depression. When someone is angry or irritable beyond reason, remember not to brand or label them, and sit down with them to reason out. If their anger seems to be coming from frustration or helplessness, without a proper cause, then help them visit a doctor.
2. Low Energy and Constant Fatigue:
Young people, generally tend to have fatigue only after a physically tiring day of work or activity. In case, you, or someone you know feel constantly tired, and do not seem to have the energy to do even the smallest of things, this could be because of depression. This sense of fatigue sometimes leads to people sleeping all the time, and not wanting to get out of their bed. Sometimes, this lack of energy may also lead to loss of appetite, as they may not feel like they even have the energy to eat. If sleep and appetite are affected, it is a may lead to a more serious condition. If a person is constantly low on energy, with no appropriate reason, it is better to take them to a psychologist.
3. Digestive Issues:
Bad mental health is most likely to affect your physical health, and it is almost always associated with your stomach. If you are eating healthy, and are still experiencing digestive issues like cramps, or lack of bowel movement, then it could be because of depression. Again, this can also lead to lack of appetite, because of which there can be constant fatigue. In case your doctor clears you against stomach problems, check with a psychologist to know if your low mental health is the reason behind your stomach issues.
4. Feeling Numb or Empty:
Irrespective of the kind of life we lead, Humans always have something to look forward to in life. At the end of a tiring day, we go back home to our loved ones to cheer ourselves up. But, if you are always feeling numb or empty, and have literally nothing forward to look to, then something could be challenging about your mental health. A feeling of numbness and emptiness is generally associated to depression. It is okay to feel numb or empty once in a while, but if it persists across time, then it needs to be addressed.
5. Forced Happiness:
The most easily identifiable hidden symptom of depression is forced happiness. Some people with depression will put on a fake smile, and crack silly jokes just to show to others that they’re happy. They are also most likely to make themselves the subject of their jokes, when they crack them. These are all nothing but signs of forced happiness. It is when someone tries extremely hard to pretend to be happy, just so the people around them would believe them. The problem however is that, over time, this forced happiness will take over, and they will never open up about how they actually feel. If you think someone’s smile or happiness is forced, then try to talk them into going for therapy.