3 Surprising Signs You May Be Experiencing Depression
The Nystrom & Associates providers consulted for this article on signs of depression are Dr. Karin Ryan, PsyD, LP; Brett Cushing, MA, LMFT; and Christa Overson, LMFT.
Not being able to get out of bed, sleeping too much, no motivation – you may be familiar with these commonly-known signs of depression, but did you know that there are other signs of depression you may not have heard of?
In this article, we’ll dive into the expert advice from Nystrom providers on how to recognize some surprising signs of depression in yourself and others and how to start feeling better today.
Related: Ep. 138 | The Truth About Depression: What It Feels Like & How to Cope
What is Depression?
Before we get into how depression can look different for different people, let’s define exactly what depression is.
Dr. Karin Ryan defines depression as “A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and lack of interest in activities.” She says it often includes, “fatigue, the feeling that we’re kind of shut down, like we’re heavy, like things are a burden, and that it’s hard to do things.”
She also says that tearfulness and appearing “really down” are some other common characteristics of depression, but, as we’ll see, there are some surprising signs of depression you may not be aware of. Let’s get into three of them.
Watch Dr. Karin Ryan on Twin Cities Live
Depression Sign #1: Irritability and Anger
While we often think of depression as someone with low energy, depression can also manifest as being more irritable or angrier than normal.
The reason for this is that depression comes with a lot of negative feelings like sluggishness, guilt, and the feeling of being worthless. Over time, this can wear a person down and start showing up as anger. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brett Cushing says this increased irritability may come from “walking around with this excessive sense of guilt and worthlessness,” that depression brings about.
If you find yourself having a shorter temper than normal, where everyday things such as traffic or minor annoyances are setting you off more than they normally would, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.
Related: Anger Issues: How to Manage Them
Depression Sign #2: Trouble Concentrating
Another surprising way that depression can show up is through trouble concentrating and brain fog. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including trouble focusing while you’re watching TV, reading a book, or having a conversation.
Some people notice this when they find themselves re-reading the same page over and over again but still not comprehending what they’ve read. She also notes that it can show up as “losing track in conversation” or “your memory not being as sharp” as it normally is.
If you’re finding it hard to focus on what you’re doing at work or at home or find yourself forgetting things you usually wouldn’t, this may be a sign that you’re experiencing depression.
Related: DBT Skills for Depression: 3 Powerful Techniques
Depression Sign #3: Fake Cheerfulness
One of the most surprising signs of depression may be smiling “too much.” Dr. Ryan says, “One of the faces of depression is what’s called ‘smiling depression,’ where that person exhibits energy and positivity and has a positive outlook,” but it’s just a mask to pretend like everything’s fine.
She says one of the warning signs of smiling depression may be having a positive attitude but refusing to talk about anything meaningful or how you’re actually doing. “Maybe they refuse to talk about anything serious or [they say] they’re always ‘fine,’” but internally they’re experiencing severe emotional turmoil.
Maybe you or a loved one has a habit of brushing off things that are bothering you, people-pleasing at the cost of your own well-being, or pretending like everything is fine when you really feel miserable. In that case, you may be experiencing this mask of depression.
If so, it's important to remember that you deserve to share your true feelings with your loved ones and get the support you need from them. "Please know that you will never be a burden to your loved ones if you tell them how you're really feeling," says Dr. Ryan, "Tell your loved ones if you're struggling, you deserve their support, just like you would give them yours."
Related: How to Let Go of Toxic Positivity
What to do if You’re Experiencing Depression
If you’re experiencing these or any other signs of depression, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that you won’t feel this way forever. Additionally, everyday habits such as mindfulness, exercise, connecting with others, and keeping up with your hobbies can help in reducing symptoms of depression.
Another effective way to treat depression is with self-compassion. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Christa Overson describes self-compassion as “treating yourself with the same kindness and care that you would offer a close friend.”
She recommends incorporating self-compassion in three ways:
- Replace self-criticism with understanding. “Notice how you’re talking to yourself and be kind to yourself,” she says.
- Recognize that everyone is human. She recommends acknowledging that sadness and depression are shared experiences with all of humanity.
- Acknowledge your emotions without over-identifying with them. “Along with depression comes all sorts of thoughts and feelings,” she says. While it's important to notice depression signs and symptoms, it's also important not to dwell on them too much or identify with them as part of your identity.
Finally, one of the best ways to treat yourself with self-compassion is by seeking professional help.
Related: Can Self-Compassion Exercises Help You Achieve Your Goals?
Getting Professional Help for Depression
At Nystrom & Associates, we offer a wide variety of treatments for depression including therapy, psychiatry, and more. One of our largest programs, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), has been shown to help people suffering from depression. We offer DBT groups in-person and virtually for both teens and adults.
Another effective treatment we offer is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy that provides relief for 83% of patients with depression.
Whichever treatment path you choose, you’re not alone. Call 1-844-NYSTROM or request an appointment online to get help today!
Related: Treatment Options for Depression: A Guide to Therapy, Psychiatry, and TMS
