When people think of depression, they often first think of someone with overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emotional numbness.
However, depression is a complex mood disorder that can manifest in many ways beyond these more well-known symptoms. In fact, some of the most common signs of depression are often missed because they don’t fit the typical image people have of the condition. Physical pain, irritability, and constant fatigue, for example, can all be subtle yet significant indicators of depression.
Recognizing these less obvious depression symptoms is crucial, as early detection can make a big difference in getting the right treatment. Keep an eye out for some of the following less common depression symptoms.
Irritability or Anger
While sadness is commonly associated with depression, for many people, depression instead shows up as short tempers, frequent frustration, or an overwhelming sense of annoyance at those arond them. This is especially common in men and some teenagers, where emotional distress can manifest as irritability rather than sadness.
People experiencing depression may lash out more easily or feel angry for reasons that don’t seem significant, which can create conflict in personal and professional relationships. Irritability might be chalked up to stress, burnout, or just a "bad mood," but when it becomes a pattern, it could be a sign of a deeper mood disorder.
Fatigue or Low Energy
We all get a little tired from time to time, but when fatigue becomes constant and overwhelming, it could be a sign of depression. People with depression often experience persistent low energy or exhaustion, even when they’ve had enough rest. This pervasive fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed, go to work, or even manage everyday tasks, like showering, caring for pets or children, or managing household tasks.
Fatigue related to depression is more than just physical tiredness—it’s a deep sense of weariness that doesn’t go away with extra sleep or rest. This symptom is easy to overlook or misattribute to lifestyle factors, stress, or physical health problems. However, when feelings of exhaustion are ongoing and seem disproportionate to daily activities, depression could be the underlying cause.
Physical Symptoms Without a Clear Cause
Depression isn’t just a mental or emotional struggle—it can also take a toll on the body. Many people with depression experience unexplained physical symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause, such as headaches, physical pain, muscle aches, or digestive issues.
If someone is dealing with ongoing pain or discomfort that doesn’t seem to improve with traditional treatment or have an underlying cause, it may be time to consider whether depression could play a role.
Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
Some people with depression struggle with insomnia, finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Others experience hypersomnia, where they sleep excessively and still feel tired, sometimes spending more time in bed, but without feeling rested.
Both too much and too little sleep can be a sign of depression. People may initially brush off sleepless nights or excessive napping as unrelated to their mental health, but when these disruptions in sleep become a pattern, they can point to an underlying mood disorder.
Forgetfulness or Trouble Concentrating
Depression can affect more than just mood—it also impacts cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or a general sense of mental fog. People with depression often find it hard to stay focused on tasks, remember important details, or make decisions, which can affect their work, school, and daily life.
Recognizing trouble concentrating or forgetfulness as signs of depression is important because these symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. With the right depression treatment, cognitive function often improves, helping people regain focus and clarity.
Appetite or Weight Changes
For some, depression causes a loss of appetite, making it difficult to enjoy or even think about eating. This can lead to unexpected weight loss and poor nutrition over time. For others, depression may trigger emotional eating, where food becomes a source of comfort, potentially leading to overeating and weight gain.
These changes in appetite are often overlooked as depression symptoms. However, when someone’s eating habits or weight begin to shift significantly, especially alongside other depression symptoms, we should pay attention to these changes as they may signal a deeper mental health issue.
Social Withdrawal
People with depression often pull away from friends, family, and social activities they once enjoyed. This withdrawal can be gradual, starting with declining invitations or avoiding conversations, and may eventually lead to complete isolation from loved ones.
Depression can make even the thought of socializing feel overwhelming, leading people to distance themselves from their support networks just when they need them most. Social withdrawal might be easily dismissed as introversion, a busy schedule, or the need for alone time. However, when someone starts avoiding social interactions they used to enjoy, it could be a sign of depression.
Seeking Depression Treatment
If you recognize any of these uncommon signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek help. Depression is a treatable mood disorder, and there are many effective approaches to managing its symptoms.
When it comes the therapy, the following depression treatments are effective and evidence-based:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their depression.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Using repetitive eye movements, EMDR can help people reprocess painful memories and emotions that may be fueling depression.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, originally developed for borderline personality disorder, but also effective in treating depression.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs of depression discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
At Westmoreland Psychotherapy Associates, our compassionate therapists are experts in diagnosing and treating depression. Whether you’re curious to learn whether your symptoms may be a sign of depression, or if you feel more confident that depression is what you’re experiencing, our therapists are here to help you navigate the path toward healing.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward feeling better.