8 Signs of Depression and How They Look in our Daily Life
Growing up, I saw all manners of mental health concerns in my community. We never called it clinical names but looking back it is clear that is what was going on. Sometimes it was said "They're just having a rough time" or "they've got the winter blues". Discussing depression can make us feel like we are being judged, that our complicated experience is being minimized into a category or that something like depression could never happen to us. You have probably taken the survey about depression at your doctor’s office, but sometimes our symptoms don’t fit into those categories neatly. This post lists how depression can show up in our daily life.
The most common symptoms of depression include feeling hopeless/ down, issues with sleep, little interest in doing things, being tired, concentration issues, feeling fidgety, moving very slow and suicidal/ self-harm thoughts. Many people do not believe these apply to them because it is not clear what these symptoms look like in our everyday life. When in doubt write down the things you have noticed and share them with your doctor or therapist.
Depression can look like this:
Drinking more Alcohol than usual: Self medicating is one of the 1st signs many people experience. Whether it is stress or not being able to cope with out emotions, we may turn to what feels like a 'quick fix' like using substances to change our mood. Alcohol is a depressant- which means it actually makes us more sad/ depressed. So when people self sooth by drinking they are adding to the symptoms they are trying to resolve.
Saying Goodbye to our Hobbies: You used to have so many fun hobbies and activities, but lately nothing really brings the same feelings of happiness it used to. Sometimes you may find yourself thinking that you do not even have the energy to enjoy these activities or other times it is hard to decide which hobby to do.
Indecisiveness: Inability to focus and low energy contribute to not being able to make up our minds. Being indecisive is linked to depression because it takes more mental energy to think about and make a decision. The lack of mental capacity and apathy keep us from making up our minds on even the most basic choices.
Being cranky most of the time: Irritability is common and can look like having a short temper, being on edge, sensitivity to stimuli ( ex. loud music, people talking or other noises), feeling annoyed at even minor inconveniences.
Random aches and pains: If you cannot figure out why you have back pain or headaches, they may be the result of depression. When body pains have no explanation it is important to consider if your body is signaling a mental health concern.
Hygiene or self-care issues: Struggling to practice basic hygiene at the levels we normally do can is also a sign to be on the look out for.
Self-Isolating: We convince ourselves that we do not want to be a burden by reaching out to friends/ family. We do not want to have to fake a smile or explain why we have been distant. We pull back from our support systems and sometimes we just want to be alone.
Major weight changes: Both loss of appetite and binge eating can be signs of depression. These changes to eating habits can cause fluctuations in our weight.
Not every experience of the above symptoms will meet a diagnosis of depression- but it is worth paying attention to when our personality and mood changes. The ongoing pandemic, social injustices and global conflict are causing many of us to experience new levels of despair, anxiety, depression and stress. Take care of yourselves and reach out to the people/ resources that can help you manage.
If you feel overwhelmed, contacting the crisis text line can help you get free confidential guidance from empathetic support- text HOME to 741-741. If you feel like life is not worth living or you would be better off dead-please contact the below resources or go to your local emergency room.
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Line1-866-488-7386
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-8255