Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. In 2020, 18.4% of people over the age of 18 reported being diagnosed with depression at some point.
Although we tend to associate depression with feeling sad and withdrawn, there are also other less recognized signs of depression. These include physical pain, poor hygiene and various behavioral changes.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s mood and self-esteem. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. The most serious type of depression is called major depression.
A combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors are thought to play a role in depression.
What are the classic symptoms of depression?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), there are nine classic symptoms of depression:
- depressed mood
- Significantly diminished interest or enjoyment in most or all activities
- lack of appetite, weight loss or gain
- insomnia or hypersomnia
- slowing down of mental or physical activities (for example, slowness or decreased hand-eye coordination)
- fatigue or loss of energy
- feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- decreased ability to think or concentrate (“brain fog”), or indecision
- recurring thoughts of death; thinking, planning or attempting suicide.
Mental health professionals will diagnose a person with major depression if they experience five or more of these symptoms over a period of two weeks or more. The five symptoms should include depressed mood or lack of pleasure in usual activities.
What are the least recognized symptoms?
Although not required for an official diagnosis of depression, there are other symptoms often experienced by depressed people. Being able to recognize these signs and symptoms may prompt you or a loved one to seek help.
Substance Use
Substance use disorders have complex causes, but they are closely linked to depression. Often, using alcohol, drugs, or both is a form of self-medicating depression. People with substance use disorders may not recognize that they are depressed.
Physical pain
Research has shown an association between depression and increased inflammation and decreased immune function. This can contribute to a person suffering from depression experiencing various types of physical discomfort such as headaches or upset stomach.
Neglecting personal hygiene
Bad mood, laziness, and fatigue can prevent a person with depression from mustering the energy to attend to personal hygiene practices such as taking a shower, brushing their teeth, doing laundry, or brushing their clothes. hair.
Sexual problems
Loss of libido is a common but lesser known symptom of depression. It can cause erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women, as well as difficulty achieving orgasm.
What behavioral changes may be associated with depression?
Depression can also cause changes in mood or behavior that go beyond crying and sadness. These include:
- increased anger or irritability
- feeling agitated or nervous
- becoming withdrawn, negative, or detached
- increased engagement in high-risk activities
- greater impulsivity
- isolate yourself from family and friends.
When to ask for help
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression, consider contacting your primary care physician or mental health professional.
If you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts or feelings, or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek immediate help by calling 911, going to the nearest emergency department, or contacting one of the following emergency lines:
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741