Depression is a dangerous, imaginary monster that is taking over the world. It is a mental condition which affects millions of people around the globe, and this number is going even higher by the day.
The World Health Organization revealed that the number of depressed individuals is around 350 million, however, these are only the ones who’ve been diagnosed.
There are thousands and maybe a million others who’ve been living their lives in the shadow. People who were too embarrassed and afraid to show themselves, that they chose to suffer silently.
It might be hard to understand the havoc inside their head, but it’s very important to let them know they aren’t in this alone. No matter how hard it is for them to express their feelings and open their souls, we need to do our best to make them feel comfortable.
Here are 7 revealing signs that a person is struggling with silent depression:
1. TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTIVITIES THEY ENJOYED
One certain sign that your loved one might be dealing with depression, is losing interest in activities they once loved. The state they’re in makes it difficult for them to concentrate and work on themselves.
It’s like a dark veil over their eyes that makes them blind to everything they once perceived. Their energy levels are starting to fall down because the pain is just unbearable.
Many people who silently suffer from depression won’t tell you this. That is why it is essential to pick up after all the clues and help them.
2. LACK OF ENERGY
It’s actually no surprise, seeing how this condition has the power to make a person lose its mind. The daunting and constant thoughts of despair and hopelessness combined with stress, poor appetite, and no sleep make this experience a day-to-day battle.
After a while, the person dealing with this dangerous illness might begin isolating from its friendships and family, because there’s not a single bit of energy left in them.
3. EATING DISORDERS
Another usual symptom of depression is a disturbed meal pattern. It might manifest as a sudden change in weight due to increased or decreased appetite. So, if you notice some kind of imbalance in their everyday diet and overall lifestyle, make sure to reach out to them.
Gary Kennedy, MD, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York, says, “A sudden change in weight, either gaining or losing, can be a warning of depression, especially in someone who has other symptoms of depression or a history of depression.”
4. CHRONIC INSOMNIA
A person struggling with depression might also develop chronic insomnia. According to WebMD, 80% of adults with depression have the trouble of falling asleep. However, many doctors believe that treating insomnia will actually reduce those depressive symptoms in the patients.
5. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Unfortunately, for some people, the easiest way to distract their busy minds is by drowning their sorrows in narcotic substances or alcohol. In a desperate need for silencing their loud thoughts, they indulge in these substances and make their consciousness fade away.
If you’ve noticed some kind of suspicious and addictive behavior in a person you know or love, don’t hesitate to offer them a helping hand.
6. FAKING EMOTIONS
People who suffer from malicious and depressive thoughts, tend to keep their condition closeted. Some of them are too afraid of being labeled as “crazy” or “weird”, and others are embarrassed to show such deeper emotions.
So, they pretend to be fine. They put on their masks and make themselves appear happy by concentrating on some meaningless small talks in order to avoid the painful conversations.
7. SEARCHING FOR DISTRACTIONS
Others seek shelter far away from the excruciating pain of their malicious thoughts. They find it easier to engage in a certain distraction and cover their emotions.
Some see work as a way of escaping the haunting reality, so they become the ultimate workaholics just, just so they can escape the agony from their tormented minds.
Depression is not something that will eventually go away. And depression isn’t something that it’s in their head. It is a mental condition that should be taken seriously.
So, if you, by any chance have noticed a strange and unusual, melancholic behavior in a person you know, do your best to reach out to them. Make sure to understand their pain. And be patient.
Because we’re all they have in this world.
Image: BEM PHOTOGRAPHY
