SURPRISING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

By Freida Dario-Santiago 

📸 Marta Lebek/Stocksy

Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) serve as important reminders that not all struggles are visible.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) multi-year theme, “Changing the Narrative,” is a call to action to shift from a culture of silence, shame and misunderstanding to one of open discussion, empathy and support. It aims to inspire communities, governments, and individuals to challenge stigma and foster environments where people feel safe seeking help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, we urge you to ask for help. 

Depression doesn’t always look the way we expect. It can manifest in unexpected ways that are often hidden in everyday habits and behaviors. Sometimes, it appears in subtle or surprising forms, such as changes in daily routines, irritability, or even forced cheerfulness.

In this article, we explore some lesser-known signs of depression. Recognizing these red flags can be the first step toward healing and may help a loved one get the support they need.

Here are 12 signs to watch out for:

1. Shopping sprees

Is your shopping out of control? Find yourself covering up your spending? For some people who are depressed, it is not uncommon for compulsive buying (in stores or online) to serve as a distraction or self-esteem booster. But “retail therapy” only offers temporary relief and could also be a sign of mania in bipolar disorder.

2. Heavy drinking

Nearly a third of people with major depression struggle with alcohol abuse. If you feel that you need to drink to cope with anxiety and depression, you may be one of them. While a drink may seem to ease anxiety or sadness, alcohol is a depressant that can worsen symptoms and increase their frequency.

3. Forgetfulness

Feeling foggy or forgetful? Chronic stress and depression can raise cortisol levels, which may affect memory and learning. Older adults seem more vulnerable, but the good news is that treating depression may also help improve depression-related memory problems.

4. Excessive internet use

Do you prefer online interactions to real-life connections? If screen time begins to replace real-world activities, whether through gaming, pornography, social media, or endless scrolling, it may be a red flag. Studies have linked excessive internet use with higher rates of depression and social withdrawal.

5. Binge eating and obesity

Depression has been linked to binge eating and abdominal weight gain, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. Addressing depression can often help restore healthier eating patterns.

6. Shoplifting

About a third of shoplifters suffer from depression. For some people who feel powerless from depression, shoplifting provides temporary relief and a rush to counter depression’s emotional “numbness.” In these cases, the emotional experience often matters more than the item being stolen.

7. Chronic back pain

Do you have a backache that won’t go away? Persistent back pain can sometimes be linked to depression. Studies have found a strong connection between the two, yet depression often goes unrecognized because many people do not associate it with physical pain. At the same time, living with chronic pain can increase the risk of developing depression.

8. Risky sexual behavior

Although depression is commonly associated with a reduced sex drive, it can also lead to impulsive or risky sexual behavior as a coping mechanism. This may include unsafe sex, infidelity, or sexual obsession, and can signal deeper emotional distress.

9. Exaggerated emotions

Often, people who are depressed show little emotional expression. Other times, they show too much. They can be suddenly irritable or explosive. They may express exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worry, or fear. If someone’s emotional patterns suddenly shift, depression may be at play.

10. Gambling problems

Gambling can create feelings of excitement and anticipation. However, compulsive gambling may be a sign of depression or gambling disorder. Problem gamblers are significantly more likely to experience depression and alcohol abuse. Many report feeling anxious or depressed before they began gambling. While gambling may provide a temporary rush, it does not address the underlying causes of depression.

11. Smoking

Having trouble quitting smoking? Depression can double a person's likelihood of smoking. According to the CDC, heavy smoking (more than a pack a day) and lighting up within five minutes of waking are common among smokers with depression. While depressed smokers may find it more difficult to quit, they can succeed. Smoking-cessation programs that incorporate approaches used in depression treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and certain medications, may be particularly effective.

12. Neglecting Self-Care

Skipping basic self-care habits like brushing teeth, wearing a seatbelt, or managing health conditions can signal a deeper emotional struggle. As depression improves, people often find it easier to care for themselves and maintain healthy routines.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician for personalized care and treatment.