Understanding the disguises of depression

Many people perceive depression as intense sadness or a feeling of hopelessness that doesn't go away. However, depression with symptoms that are not so easy to recognize can be insidious. If you feel unexplained pain, are often irritable or angry for no apparent reason, or can be moved by even a minor event, this may be a sign of a mental disorder.

Fortunately, depression can be overcome with timely action. It's important to recognize these less obvious symptoms, understand how they may manifest, and determine when to seek treatment for depression to prevent it from worsening.

Common symptoms of depression

The common symptoms of bipolar depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emotional emptiness, or loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. However, there are also less obvious signs that may indicate a mental disorder, including:

1. Anger, irritability, and impatience. You may feel constantly irritated, show anger towards people close to you, such as family members, friends, or coworkers, and overreact to minor situations or trivialities.
2. Sleep problems. You may have difficulty falling asleep, feel anxious at night, often wake up early in the morning, or, conversely, sleep too much and feel very tired, making it difficult to get out of bed in the morning.
3. Anxiety. This form of psychological disorder can accompany depression, manifesting itself in the form of anxiety, restlessness, and tension. Although anxiety and depression are separate conditions, they often go hand in hand, worsening a person's overall emotional state.
4. Crying. Persistent crying or emotional outbursts over insignificant things that would not normally cause such a response may indicate a mental disorder. This indicates increased emotional instability that is becoming increasingly difficult to control.
5. Difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing anxiety, you may experience forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, or loss of concentration.
6. Pain. If you experience pain that is difficult to treat, such as in your joints, back, limbs, or stomach, it may indicate depression. Many people go to the doctor for physical symptoms without realizing that the real cause is depression.
7. Substance abuse. Drug or alcohol abuse can mask the underlying problem of a mental disorder or cause its symptoms. Often, substance abuse problems and depression accompany each other, worsening the overall condition.
8. Changes in appetite. You may experience a loss of appetite when you do not feel like eating, or, conversely, overeating in an attempt to improve your well-being.
9. Isolation. You may feel separated from your friends and family, just when their support is most important.

Symptoms of depression may differ between men and women

Symptoms and signs of depression can vary from person to person. Men and women may experience depression in different ways. Symptoms of depression in women are more often manifested as feelings of sadness, guilt, or worthlessness.

In turn, symptoms of depression in men often manifest as increased fatigue, irritation, anger and frustration, and may have serious sleep problems. Their interest in hobbies, activities and sex may be significantly reduced. In order to avoid discussing their feelings with friends and family, men often focus more on work. They may also engage in risky behavior or abuse drugs and alcohol. In some cases, signs of depression in men can manifest as aggression. Although more women attempt suicide, men are more likely to complete these attempts - almost four times as many men die by suicide as women.

Many men refuse to acknowledge their feelings or symptoms of depression, often because they are reluctant to admit they have a problem or discuss their emotions. However, it is important to remember that both men and women can achieve improvement and recovery with appropriate treatment.

This can also be reinforced by social phobia, which in turn worsens such conditions. That’s why it’s important to seek timely diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional.

Feeling depressed: when to seek treatment

Admitting to yourself that you may be depressed can be very difficult, and it can be even more difficult to seek help. Here are two main reasons why it's important to consider treatment for depression:

1. Therapy works. Even if you are suffering from severe depression, there are opportunities to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. There are many treatments that can help you cope with a mental disorder, and it's important to seek the help of a professional to find the best approach for you.
2. Early treatment. Seeking medical help in the early stages of depression can provide quick relief from symptoms. Prolonged delay in treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition and make it more difficult to recover.

Talk to someone. There are many people who are willing to help you cope with depression, but the first step you need to take is to tell someone what you are going through. It is helpful to start by talking to a close friend or family member. Ask them to help find treatment for you. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will feel better. Don't put it off - see your primary care provider or medical specialist if you

• suspect you may be depressed;
• notice symptoms of a mental health condition, such as sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, or less obvious signs, such as trouble sleeping or vague pain;
• symptoms of depression make it difficult for you to function on a daily basis.

If you are having thoughts of death or suicide, seek immediate medical attention. You may feel hopeless, but treatment can give you new hope and help you realize that life is worth living.

Treating depression: give it time to work

Some medications and medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can cause symptoms of depression. Therefore, your doctor may want to check these possible causes. If your doctor thinks you have depression, he or she may offer treatment to help you manage your symptoms or refer you to a mental health professional.

Treatment for depression may include antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both. For people with mild to moderate depression, therapy alone may be sufficient. Aerobic exercise is also sometimes recommended as an effective method to alleviate the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. However, severe depression whose symptoms prevent a person from leading a normal life requires both medication and therapy. It is important to note that improvement in symptoms such as sleep or appetite may occur before you feel significant relief from depression.

Antidepressants affect neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood and the neural pathways or circuits that control them. They are often effective in treating depression, but it can take four to six weeks for you to notice positive results. It is important to remain patient during this process. Antidepressants can also cause side effects, such as weight gain or sexual problems. Finding the right drug that works for you with the least side effects can take some time. If the first antidepressant does not have the desired effect, your doctor may prescribe an additional medication to increase its effectiveness or change your treatment to another, more appropriate medication.

Psychotherapy helps treat depression in the following ways:

• learning new, more positive ways of thinking;
• changing habits or behaviors that may worsen depression;
• working on problems in relationships at home or at work;
• help in developing a realistic perception of the situation and overcoming fears;
• increasing the sense of hope, positive mood and control over one's life.

It may take time to change old patterns of thinking and behavior, so it is important to give therapy a chance to show its effectiveness.

Depression treatment: how to help yourself

In addition to the support and help from your therapist or doctor, there are several additional steps you can take to improve your well-being:

1. Be physically active. Regular exercise can boost your mood and ease the symptoms of depression by positively affecting the brain's chemical balance.
2. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Good quality sleep contributes to the body's recovery and mental health. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Set up your bedroom as a comfortable place for sleeping and sex only, avoiding watching TV and using curtains to block out bright light.
3. Stay in touch. Communicating with supportive friends or family can help you feel better, even though it may seem difficult. Try choosing quiet ways to interact, such as watching a movie, meeting for coffee, or taking a walk in the park. Contact with other people, in combination with treatment for depression, can help you come out of the darkness and return to a positive mood.

Looking for more ways to improve your mental well-being? Explore helpful insights on our website.