Today we are going to talk about six surprising symptoms of depression. We are all familiar with the common symptoms of depression, but these are symptoms that you might not immediately connect to depression.
Here are six of them:
1. Increased Substance Use
A family member might say, “Doctor, my husband used to smoke or drink only occasionally, but now he is increasing the amount. A person who used to smoke one cigarette is now smoking five or six, or a person who used to drink once every week or two is now drinking daily.” This increase in alcohol or cigarette consumption is a negative coping mechanism for depression.
2. Excessive Sleepiness
While many people with depression suffer from sleeplessness, some experience the opposite. They sleep more, feel drowsy, and are in a daze all day. People often say, “Doctor, I’m sleeping too much lately. What’s wrong? Everyone says depression causes sleeplessness, but I’m sleeping more.”
3. Binge Eating or Lack of Appetite
Depression can affect appetite due to a drop in serotonin levels. Some people lose their appetite, while others engage in binge eating, eating more than needed and gaining weight. This can happen because when a person is depressed, they often don’t exercise or go for a morning walk. The person might get very fat or very thin.
4. Social Withdrawal
A person who used to be social and participate in community events might start staying in their room, avoiding going out, and not meeting friends. They might avoid social gatherings, fearing what others might say or thinking they might make a mistake.
5. Lack of Energy and Fatigue
People may complain of a lack of physical strength or power. They might say, “I haven’t done anything, but I’m so tired. I used to feel like I could carry people, but now I can’t even lift a bucket.” A lack of energy is a very common symptom.
6. Increased Irritability
A person’s loved ones might notice they are no longer the same. They might say, “My husband, my son, my wife is not the same as before. They’re more irritable, they don’t talk, they don’t share their feelings, and they don’t communicate with others.” This can be a very unusual symptom of depression.
Another symptom, often seen in married men, is a decrease in sexual desire over time.
