Three Signs You’re Depressed And Don’t Know It

Anyone can go through depression, and it doesn't necessarily need to have an external trigger to be set off. While some people are depressed because of the situation they're in, and others from past events like trauma and abuse, others will develop depression for unknown or genetic reasons. If you feel like you're not depressed but are having difficulties with any of these three things, you might actually have depression. Here's what you should look out for.

Self-Care Difficulties

One of the most common problems people with depression have is caring for themselves. It's a broad spectrum of symptoms, but it all boils down to making yourself feel, look, and smell good. 

For example, those with depression often find that it's a struggle to shower, brush their teeth or hair, or wash their faces. Those who wear make-up may stop doing so out of a lack of interest or care about how they appear to others. Obviously, anyone showing these symptoms won't want to be stinky or unclean, but they may just find that it's more difficult than it should be to get these things done, even if similarly difficult or time-consuming activities are no problem. 

Lack of Interest in Favorites

For some people, depression knocks them down and keeps them from doing anything, whether it's a responsibility or just an enjoyable hobby. However, with mild depression, it's usually the interests and hobbies that take the hardest hit.

If you have this symptom, you may feel less interested in things that once brought you happiness, or you don't feel like you can or should devote time to them. This can happen independently of getting things done that you have to. You may be meeting your goals and commitments, but if you don't care about the things that used to inspire or excite you, there may be an issue.

Troubled Sleep

A lack of good sleep can cause or worsen depression, but as a double-edged sword, depression can also impact your sleep. Getting to sleep and staying asleep may both be problems for you. You may also experience nightmares or night sweats, indicating that something has been bothering you in your sleep. Sleeping medication may be helpful with this, but it's not a long-term solution and won't help with the underlying problem.

If you notice any of these three things, consider being screened for depression by a psychiatrist. There's no shame in getting help, and you and your life will be better for it when you're back to feeling like yourself again.


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