Subtle Symptoms Of Depression

We all get a little melancholy sometimes.But being down in the dumps is not the same as being depressed.The symptoms of depression are often subtle, which is why friends and family remain aloof to the condition.

People who suffer from depression can go months or years feeling that they are lost in a dark world they cannot escape from.For the outsider looking in, the symptoms of depression may not be so obvious.The misconceptions about depression are partly to blame for not recognizing the warning signs in loved ones.

True depression is not about being sad all the time.It's about feeling low, negative and alone.

It's an isolating illness, which causes the person to withdraw from close connections.Many people who suffer from depression become recluse.They don't feel anyone will understand them or in fact, that no-one cares for them.In truth, the sense of isolation is inadvertently self-imposed, since the mind is not making the rational decisions a healthy mind would.

Subtle Symptoms of Depression:

Low Energy Levels

• Tired all the time, sleeping longer than usual and taking too many naps in between.
• No ambition to do housework, take a shower, brush hair or generally look after oneself.
• No desire to engage in any physical activities, such as going for a walk.
• The person appears completely exhausted much of the time.
• Moves slowly, slumps, walks and possibly even speaks slower.

Withdrawal and Reclusion

• Pulls back from social situations.
• Stops visiting or calling close friends and family members.
• Reluctant to make small talk.
• Spends much of their time alone, only going out when necessary for work etc.
• Stops attending regular activities, such as going to the gym.
• Misses out on important events, often makes excuses to not attend such as headache or flu.

Low Self Worth

• Feels that they do everything wrong or at least not good enough.
• Believes they have no value to other people.
• Sense of identity is muddled, feels they are not attractive/smart/strong/talented/etc or that those qualities are not worthwhile or admired.
• Low self esteem, extremely critical of self. 

Altered Perception

• Takes even mild criticism very personally.
• Doesn't realize others may be reaching out to them.
• Feels like everyone has abandoned them, no one really understands them.
• May feel like they were destined to be alone, overwhelmed by a sense of despair.
• Thinks others live an enchanted life.

A person suffering from depression doesn't wear a sign around their neck so others can recognize the symptoms.In fact, because they feel nobody truly understands them, they are reluctant to discuss their perceptions and feelings with those around them.This makes a depressed episode extremely dangerous and can lead to destructive behaviour or even thoughts of suicide.

If you call someone and invite them out and they always give you an excuse or say no, eventually you might give up asking.However, rather than feeling shunned, you should instead look for other signs that the person is in a dangerous state of mind.Do they never seem to want to go anywhere? Do they spend all their time alone? Are they always tired, claiming they need a nap? Do they shuffle through their day? Does their appearance look a little run down, maybe their clothes are frumpy or mismatched?

Many people who suffer from depression will try to hide their feelings and their condition.If confronted, they may become agitated or offended, since they will feel like they are under attack.However, if you know someone who is exhibiting unhealthy behaviours and attitudes, intervention is critical.

Your community should have resources to get the person help, or you can call a hotline, check online or talk to your own family doctor (or their's).Don't assume they'll snap out of it.Reach out and pull someone out of the darkness that traps them in a state of depression.After all, we all deserve a happy life.
 

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