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5 Hidden Signs of Depression You Shouldn't Ignore (and How to Find Lasting Relief)
Depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that negatively affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world.
A 2023 Gallup poll reported that 29% of American adults experience depression during their lives, while 17.8% currently have the disorder or are receiving treatment for it, almost a 10-point increase from the results of the poll conducted in 2015.
At Sidhu Psychiatric Clinic, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kanwaljit “Kavi” Sidhu, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, and our staff diagnose and treat all forms of depression at our Palm Harbor, Florida, office.
As not all signs of depression are obvious, it’s important to be informed about the condition so you’ll know when you need to reach out for help.
Common depression symptoms
Depression symptoms can range anywhere from mild to severe and may differ from one person to another. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, angry, or irritable
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Decreased energy or increased fatigue
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Difficulty focusing and making even minor decisions
- Thinking about death and suicide
If you’re thinking about suicide or are considering harming yourself, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
5 hidden signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore
While most people know about the common signs of depression, there are some that are less well known, also referred to as “hidden.” It’s important to know about these signs so you’ll be able to catch them early and seek medical help when they’re easier to treat.
1. Smiling depression (forced happiness)
People with smiling depression feel down and view the world negatively, but they always put on a smile and act upbeat when around others. It's difficult to act perpetually positive, though, and at some point, the mask may slip, revealing the conflict inside.
2. Depressive realism
This term refers to a person being more realistic and/or pessimistic than those around them, especially if they have other symptoms of depression. The pessimism can easily pull you down.
3. Personality differences
Instead of appearing sad, some people with hidden depression become quieter and more withdrawn, while others become angrier and more irritable. It may not be immediately obvious that either of these extremes stems from a depressive state.
4. Physical symptoms
Yes, depression is a mood disorder, but that doesn’t mean it can’t affect you physically. Besides the common symptoms of weight change and fatigue, other physical symptoms of hidden depression include headaches, chest tightness, a racing heart, generalized aches and pains, and digestive problems.
5. Low libido
Many healthcare professionals consider a lowered sex drive a key indicator of depression, perhaps because of a loss of interest in pleasurable activities or the result of fatigue or low self-esteem.
Depression is a highly treatable disorder, with between 70% and 90% of people who have it eventually responding well to treatment, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression symptoms, our team at Sidhu Psychiatric Clinic can help. Call our office at 727-382-1383 to schedule a consultation, or contact us online today.