Published on August 22nd, 2024
Depression makes an individual continuously feel sad and lose interest in things that he or she used to enjoy.
Some of the common signs of depression include irritability, unexplained aches, changes in appetite or sleep, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and persistent fatigue.
While depression is a common mental disorder affecting millions of people globally, it is often misunderstood and stigmatised.
While the common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities, it is equally important to identify the lesser-known symptoms to seek early diagnosis and effective treatment.
This blog will delve into some of the uncommon symptoms of depression and discuss when to seek professional help from a psychologist.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental illness in which a person might experience symptoms like no desire to engage in activities that they previously enjoyed, feeling hopeless, and having no will to live.
Depression is thus a chronic condition that affects the day-to-day lives of people.
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Common Signs Of Depression
Some of the common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, drastic changes in appetite and sleeping habits, and constant thoughts of being worthless or guilty.
Since these symptoms are well-known to the public, they are easier to identify and can be diagnosed early.
However, certain individuals can display several uncommon symptoms of depression that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for symptoms of other conditions.
Uncommon Signs Of Depression
Given below are some of the most uncommon signs of depression:
- Irritability and Anger: While persistent sadness is one of the most common symptoms of depression, an individual who is diagnosed with depression may get irritated or angry easily over minor things. It can lead to conflicts and isolation from friends and family.
- Unexplained Aches and Pains: Physical symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, and digestive disorders can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, but these symptoms can also be an indicator of depression. A person might undergo these symptoms even after medical treatment, implying that their conditions have psychological backgrounds.
- Changes in Appetite and Weight: Depression may also affect the eating habits of an individual, which can cause them to overeat or lose interest in food entirely. One might gain or lose noticeable weight, which also affects their physical health.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or frequent waking are also signs of depression. These sleep disturbances lead to fatigue, making it difficult for people to work during their day-to-day activities.
- Social Withdrawal: Another symptom of depression that is often overlooked is isolation, a state in which people tend to avoid interacting with others. As a result, individuals might avoid their family and friends along with activities that once gave pleasure, which might make them feel lonelier.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Depression can affect a person’s thinking and memory along with their ability to pay attention and solve problems. This may impact work productivity and everyday activities, causing more stress and annoyance.
- Persistent Fatigue: Another uncommon symptom of depression is fatigue despite getting sufficient sleep. This chronic tiredness might make an individual feel more overwhelmed even while performing minor tasks, hence, reducing their productivity.
When To Consult A Psychologist
If you are struggling with the symptoms of depression, you should consider consulting a psychologist when:
- Persistent Symptoms: When symptoms like irritability, unexpected pain, changes in appetite or sleep pattern, social isolation, trouble focusing, or fatigue do not go away after two weeks, you should seek professional help for an early diagnosis.
- Impact on Daily Life: You should see a psychologist if these signs hamper your everyday activities, work, or relationships.
- Coexisting Conditions: A full assessment will have to be conducted to treat all disorders if there are mental health conditions such as anxiety or substance abuse.
- Suicidal Thoughts: An individual should seek immediate professional help if they are having any thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, it is recommended that you seek help from Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, the best psychiatrist in Kolkata.
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Steps To Take
Below are some steps you should take if you are struggling with depression:
- Acknowledge the Symptoms: The first step to seeking treatment is to understand and acknowledge actual or perceived symptoms of depression. Acknowledging these symptoms is not a sign of weakness.
- Seek Professional Help: You should not hesitate or feel embarrassed when contacting a mental health professional. Early diagnosis can ensure that you get the treatment that you need as soon as possible.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you when the going gets tough. Their words of encouragement can always be useful when you are in the process of healing.
- Follow Treatment Plans: One must adhere to the course of treatment provided by the psychologist, which may include therapy, the prescription of some drugs, or changing some aspects of a person’s lifestyle.
In order to seek early and effective treatment, one must first understand all the symptoms of depression.
Some of the uncommon symptoms that require equal attention include irritability, unexplained physical pain, and persistent fatigue.
Consulting Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, the best psychiatrist in Kolkata, would help you receive all the help that you require.
Thus, always remember that there is a possibility of recovery while suffering from depression. If one receives adequate support; most individuals can regain control of their lives.
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