Are you worried about someone you care for? Do you think you may have depression, but you aren’t sure what it looks like? Depression symptoms vary from one person to the next, and they can take on a number of appearances. Let’s take a closer look at what depression looks like, and how you can get help for you or a loved one.
Depression Doesn’t Have a Face
To answer the question “what does depression look like?”, we need to point out how widespread depression really is. Anyone can have depression, and we do mean anyone. The people in your life who put on a smile every day may be dealing with much deeper issues beneath the surface. Depression does not discriminate against any race, age group, gender, social class, etc. It can be sparked by almost any experience, and it can last for any length of time. Thankfully, there are treatments available to overcome depression, regardless of your circumstances.
Visible Symptoms of Depression
While there is no physical appearance associated with depression, there are some visible symptoms to watch out for. These include:
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating or multi-tasking
- Changes in appetite
- Irritability or abrupt mood shifts
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Lack of motivation
- Social withdrawal
- Not participating in once enjoyable activities
- Difficulty making decisions
Most of these depression symptoms have nothing to do with physical features, but they are things that other people can see. If a normally energetic person shows up to work persistently fatigued, it’s noticeable. If a once social person begins spending all his free time at home, it’s noticeable. This is the best way to understand what depression looks like.
Not-So-Visible Symptoms of Depression
Some symptoms of depression are noticeable to the eye, but others remain hidden. People living with depression often mask their emotions for fear of judgement, weakness or failure. Having depression does not make you weak, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Nevertheless, millions of Americans put on their ‘happy faces’ just to get through the day.
Here are some depression symptoms that may not be noticeable on the surface:
- Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
- Making negative assumptions about the future
- Self-hate or self-doubt (“I’m not good enough”)
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feeling like an outcast
- Feeling unsatisfied with work or personal life
- Unexpected or unprompted bouts of crying (usually happens at home, alone)
Getting Help through Depression Counseling
If someone you know appears to be depressed, talk to him or her. Be a trusted confidant if the person decides to open up. If not, be as supportive as possible. A strong support system is vital for a person with depression.
If you are going through depression, you don’t have to face the fight alone. Talk to a depression counselor who can help you find personalized solutions for your circumstances. Find the root cause of the depression, and learn how to bring closure to it. Depression counseling is one of the most successful long-term treatments for depression because it works on the issues from the inside out. You’re not just treating the symptoms – you’re treating the source.
To schedule an appointment for depression counseling in Memphis TN, contact MHR Memphis at (901) 682-6136.