Everyone has ups and downs, but sometimes it’s hard to tell when those “downs” are signs of something more serious. Depression can sometimes sneak up on you in ways you might not expect. Maybe you’ve 
been feeling off lately but can’t quite understand why. Or perhaps you’ve noticed some changes in your habits or mood, whether familiar or unfamiliar. Depression symptoms aren’t always obvious, and it’s easy to overlook them or chalk them up to just having a bad day. However, if they persist or seem to feel worse day-by-day, they may be needing your attention.
6 Symptoms That Could Indicate Depression
Sometimes it may start with sadness or low mood, but it’s important to recognize signs of depression and seek help if needed, before depression starts to take over. Here are six depression symptoms to be aware of:
1. Feeling Sad and Hopeless
When these feelings seem to become a constant companion, or more often than they used to be, it usually means there’s something happening. Depression often masks at first as persistent sadness or heaviness that you can’t seem to shake off (it isn’t always sadness, it can just be a feelings that you’re heavily slogging through each day).
If joy is feeling like a distant memory and you’re constantly battling a heaviness, it could be more than just a passing phase. Depression has a way of making even the simplest pleasures or good feelings seem out of reach.
2. Losing Interest in Hobbies and Activities
Remember when you used to get excited about your weekend plans or couldn’t wait to dive into your favorite hobby? If those feelings are becoming harder to access, or it seems like it’s a been a long time since you felt excitement or the feeling of looking forward to something, it could also be a sign of depression. You may notice that activities that once brought you joy now feel like a chore, and things you used to enjoy haven’t been engaged with in a long time. This loss of interest, known as anhedonia, is a common symptom of depression that often goes unrecognized.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns and Appetite
Have you noticed your sleep habits or eating patterns changing lately? These subtle shifts could be more than just a passing phase. Depression often disguises itself in ways we might not expect. You might struggle to fall asleep more often than usual, even when you’re exhausted. Or maybe you’re sleeping way more than usual and finding it harder and harder to get out of bed when you need to. Both insomnia and oversleeping can be telltale signs of depression.
Your relationship with food might be changing, too. Some people lose interest in eating, while others find themselves eating or snacking more often than usual, even when you’re not necessarily hungry. If you’ve noticed significant unexpected weight loss or weight gain, it’s generally worth paying attention to.
4. Difficulty Concentrating
This is another common symptom of depression. It can manifest in various ways, such as trouble focusing on tasks, issues with memory and struggling to recall details that even happened just a few minutes before, indecisiveness, and slowed thinking. These difficulties with concentration can make it challenging to function effectively on a daily basis if they aren’t looked into.
5. Social Withdrawal
When depressed, you may lose interest in social activities and find yourself preferring to isolate. This withdrawal can lead to feelings of loneliness and further contribute to depressive symptoms.
6. Irritability
Irritability is also a common symptom of depression, often manifesting as feeling easily annoyed, angered, or frustrated. People experiencing depression may find themselves snapping at loved ones, getting upset over minor inconveniences, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. This increased irritability can strain relationships and contribute to feelings of isolation.
Getting Help for Depression
Everyone’s experience with depression is different and unique. These symptoms don’t always mean you’re depressed, and there are other symptoms as well not listed here. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, or any other symptoms that have you wondering if you’re battling something deeper, such as depression, it’s worth keeping an eye on it to see if it persists, worsens, or otherwise.
If you’re concerned or finding it difficult to come through the other end of the feelings, don’t hesitate to contact a mental health professional. The support and help of therapy when you’re depressed is important in reclaiming your life.
