Depression can be tricky to spot because it often shows up in subtle ways that many people overlook or attribute to something else. In this article, we detail some of those less obvious depression symptoms to keep an eye out for. However, like any mental health condition, depression is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Not everyone experiencing depression will show all of these signs, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. In fact, someone may experience these symptoms without having depression at all.
That being said, if you or someone you know is showing several of the below signs consistently, it is a good idea to seek support from a mental health professional. At Ongea Wellness, we have KPCA-Accredited Psychologists to help people navigate mental health and help them through their healing journey.
Depression is treatable, and early intervention can significantly affect a person’s well-being. Here are some subtle signs of depression that most people overlook:
Heightened irritability
People dealing with depression can become noticeably more irritable and easily frustrated, even over small issues. Sometimes, this irritability is mistakenly chalked up to having a bad day or a temporary mood shift when it could in fact be a symptom of depression.
Appetite fluctuations
Changes in eating habits can be an indicator of depression. Some people may lose their appetite and shed weight, while others might start eating more and gain weight. These fluctuations can reflect shifts in mood associated with depression.
Sleep troubles
Whether it’s struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or waking up too early in the morning, sleep disturbances are common among those with depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep, this may be a sign that they might be going through something heavy.
Loss of interest or enjoyment
One of the key markers of depression is losing interest in activities or hobbies that used to bring joy. Despite being a hallmark of depression, this symptom can be subtle because it tends to happen gradually. If, for example, someone used to like running or jogging, but are now spending most of their time indoors with little to no desire for outdoor activities, this could be a sign that they are either depressed, or falling into depression.
Social isolation
Depression often leads to withdrawal from social interactions. People might decline invitations or stop reaching out to friends and family. Social isolation is one of the early signs that something deeper may be going on, and in relationships, it can lead to disconnection, loneliness, and unmet emotional needs.
Difficulty concentrating
A lack of focus and difficulties with decision-making can also be signs of depression. People with depression may find it tough to concentrate on tasks at work or school.
Physical complaints
Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches can be linked to depression, especially when there’s no clear medical cause. Ongoing physical discomfort, like chronic back pain or joint pain, may also become more pronounced when someone is dealing with depression.
Fatigue and low energy
Feeling constantly tired or drained of energy can be another subtle sign of depression that’s often brushed off as normal tiredness.
Negative self-talk
Continuous negative thoughts about yourself, your abilities, or the future can be a clue that you might have depression. These thoughts are often internal and not easily noticeable to others.
Heightened sensitivity
Depression can make people more sensitive to criticism or rejection, which can actually deepen feelings of sadness associated with the condition.
