6 Subtle Signs You're Becoming Depressed

The insidious nature of mental problems is that they frequently go undetected. Here are six subtle indicators that you're depressed.

It is natural to feel depressed and dejected from time to time. However, the following symptoms may suggest a more serious issue.

You don't want to talk anymore

The coronavirus pandemic has caused changes in nearly every aspect of life, particularly interpersonal relationships. Personal encounters have mostly been displaced by contact via social media, video chats, and instant messengers. This format is not for everyone, and many people strive to limit their online connections to a minimal.

However, if you feel like you're avoiding conversation because it's weighing you down, this might be a symptom that you're at danger of depression. Experts examined the social conduct of persons suffering from this mental disease throughout the course of the study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology. Scientists concluded that the subjects practically did not feel the need to interact with others, it did not bring them any satisfaction.

You are constantly hungry

Overeating and consequent weight gain have been linked to depression. However, there is a reversal of this pattern: sadness and anxiety are frequently the root causes of bingeing and overeating. According to the American Anxiety and Depression Association, 42 percent of persons with eating disorders have an anxiety illness or have had a bad childhood experience.

Of course, the increased hunger might be related to other factors as well, such as boredom. Experts warn that psychological issues are frequently the root cause of our insatiable appetites.

You don't feel like eating

Loss of appetite can also be a sign that you are approaching depression. In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, experts studied the eating behavior of people with depression. The researchers found that 35% of the participants had an increased appetite, while approximately 48% of the patients showed no interest in food. Thus, if you notice that you have begun to eat significantly less and at the same time you do not suffer from hunger, you may need to consult with a psychotherapist.

You constantly want to sleep

Excessive sleepiness for no apparent reason is called hypersomnia. If you are out of work, you have nothing to do at home, the need to take a nap from boredom and idleness is not strange. But if this is not your case, and you are constantly falling asleep, you should be on your guard. A study published in the journal BMC Medicine examined the relationship between sleep and depression. As a result, experts came to the conclusion that symptoms of mental disorder are often observed with hypersomnia.

You don't feel sleepy

If you toss and turn from side to side every night, unable to sleep, this is a clear sign that your mental health is not in order. And insomnia, in turn, only complicates the situation. A study published in the journal Sleep analyzed how sleep disturbance triggers and worsens symptoms of major depressive disorder. Insomnia lowers the quality of life and harms social communication and career. Any of these conditions leads to distress, forms events that can cause the development of mental disorders, as well as worsen the course of existing ones.

Your favorite activities do not bring you joy

Hobbies give us pleasure and peace of mind. Many find comfort and relaxation in reading, knitting, playing musical instruments, gardening, or physical activity. If you've given up on activities that you previously found enjoyable because they no longer seem enjoyable, this is a reason to think. Your mental health may be at risk. In modern psychology, the loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed is called anhedonia, and it is directly linked to depression and other mood disorders. People with clinical depression lose interest in hobbies, friends, work, food, and even sex.