Five Signs of Depression Nobody Talks About!

Depression is a mental illness that impacts the lives of numerous people and is more intense than sadness. The persistent feeling of loss and a lack of interest in activities interfere significantly with a person’s day-to-day activity. As of 2019, over 7.1% of the adult population in the USA suffers from depression. Around 13.1% of the adults aged 18 to 25 have had at least one severe episode of depression in the past year.

However, despite these alarming numbers, the myths and false believes around depression continues. While most people think of it as a fancy word for sad, others believe it to be an attention-seeking gimmick by a few people. However, the truth is more alarming than that. So, here are five things about depression that nobody talks about, but absolutely should!

Being Socially Awkward

While battling depression are usually uninterested in most social activities, they also struggle to mask their feelings. Nobody likes to hang around someone who is pessimistic, anhedonic, and gloomy all the time. So, most people try to fake behavior that is socially accepted as normal to avoid discussions on why they feel low. And add to it the awkwardness of coming across as a needy person desperate for some attention and pity. So, most depressed people put on a mask of happiness and smile through their social awkwardness struggles.

Going That Extra Mile

Has this happened to you where you got to know that a person is battling depression, but you never could figure it out? And was this because they were so ecstatic, surrounded by friends, and offered help at all times? If this was the person everyone knew would offer them comfort and be there to cheer them up, it might come as a shock to know they’re battling depression.

However, experts say that this is just one of the many coping mechanisms. Being there for others and finding happiness through them is just overcompensating for all that’s missing from a person’s life. So, they go on with life, making those around them happy even if their life seems listless and full of discontent.

Feeling Disassociated

While most people think that depression is all about crying and being sad or angry, there’s more to it than just that. An inability to make concrete decisions, plan for the future, or react to situations is a common depression sign. There could be instances where a depressed person lies down in bed and stares at the ceiling doing absolutely nothing. At times there’s a kaleidoscope of thoughts that flood them, and at times it is all blank like an empty canvas. In short, they battle through total apathy and experience an inability to focus on tasks.

Battling Imposter Syndrome

Depression lowers a person’s self-esteem and might lead to self-doubt. And in that process, a person starts avoiding conflict and attention of all kinds. This might push them to a level where they feel that any attention whatsoever is undeserving. They prefer to stay in the background instead. They develop strong imposter syndrome, where they feel like taking credit for something they have achieved.

While it might seem like the person is modest, it could be more than just modesty that they are trying to hide behind that! You compliment them, and they would feel uncomfortable beyond words can fathom. They could be the brightest minds in the room but wouldn’t share their opinion or views even if they knew they were right for fear of drawing attention. And then the praises that follow, which most depressed people believe they do not deserve!

Procrastinating

Most people believe that depression is just an excuse for laziness. And we cannot blame them for thinking so, because depressed people tend to procrastinate a lot. While laziness isn’t their reason to do so, it seems impossible for them to attend even to the basic life functions. With everything seeming like a chore, life is sure to feel like a burden.

And that is why, when you are battling depression, tidying up your room, finishing up tasks, and having everything organized isn’t the priority. As the mere task of even going about with essential activities like brushing and eating seeming like a pain, they avoid other crucial tasks like going to work or school.

However, we need to understand and empathize with those battling mental health issues. While it is easy to stigmatize and label, it is not easy to be on the other end of the spectrum. So, if you cannot offer a helping hand to someone battling depression, do not worsen their struggle. Instead, educate yourself on how depression could be different in each person and how mental health is a real challenge and more than just a fad!