DEPRESSION can leave you struggling to sleep, having problems concentrating and generally feeling empty.
But it’s not always so obvious. The common mental health condition can present in far more subtle ways – from indecisiveness to poor posture.
One in six adults in the UK report a mental health problem in any given week[/caption]
Andrew Kidd, senior psychological therapist accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, tells Sun Health: “While we often assume depression looks like persistent sadness or low energy, it can present in misleading ways.
“Sometimes symptoms can manifest as physical issues including headaches, stomach aches, body pains or cramps, or even moving or speaking more slowly than usual.
“It’s far more than simply a form of sadness, negative attitude or laziness, and you can’t just ‘snap out of it’.”
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
AS most people now realise, depression is more than just feeling low.
“It’s characterised by ongoing changes in mood, thoughts, energy, emotions and behaviours which impact one’s everyday life,” Andrew says.
“Sometimes people misunderstand depression as ‘laziness’ or ‘a negative attitude’.
“But it is a very serious problem influenced by various biopsychosocial factors.
“You could imagine it as the world seeming more grey…food having no taste…the joy and light in life feeling dark.
“Imagine waking up every day with a heart that feels hollow, and a mind where every thought acts as a reminder that something feels broken inside you. While the light around you no longer reaches inside.
“Depression is like seeing the world in black and white while everyone else talks about its vibrant colours. And this feeling is like a permanent reality.”
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE FEELING DOWN AND DEPRESSION?
PUT simply, it’s how long the feelings last.
“Low mood typically changes quickly while depression is much more persistent and the feelings are often more intense,” Andrew says.
“Imagine feeling upset after an argument with a friend. That sadness might be intense and hurt, but it usually passes within a few hours or a day.
“The feelings will still be there, but will naturally change over time.
“And your feelings make sense because of what happened, and over time, talking or doing something you enjoy helps you feel better.
“This is a normal low mood: temporary and connected to a specific event.
Some symptoms of depression are obvious, but others can be more subtle[/caption]
“Now imagine feeling empty, hopeless nearly all day, every day, for weeks or months.
“Sometimes, even when something good happens, like spending time with that same friend, you feel nothing. Not happiness, not sadness, just numbness. That’s what depression feels like.
“The feelings are deeper, don’t lift easily, and start to affect your ability to work, sleep, or enjoy life.”
As you might expect, ‘regular’ low mood usually resolves on its own. But it can take months and sometimes years to treat depression.
Here, Andrew highlights some of the other key differences, and how to spot when you might have slipped into actual depression.
1. PERSISTENT SADNESS
WHILE sadness comes and goes, depression can be persistent and relentless.
Low mood usually passes with time or minor changes, while depression can require professional support to improve.
Low mood also tends to be linked to specific events or situations, while depression may persist without an obvious cause.
Depression often leads to feelings of hopelessness and despair, whereas low mood may cause only brief sadness, frustration or irritability.
How to spot depression in yourself or loved ones
DEPRESSION is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and can interfere with your daily life.
The most common signs of depression:
Andrew says: “Symptoms of depression can include noticeable changes in mood. This can be difficult to identify as some people may choose to try to hide their moods from others for fear of being a burden.
“But the change in mood may appear as persistent sadness, emptiness, apathy, or even a sense of despair. At times, it can also come across as irritability.
“Sometimes people get angry at some things when they struggle to feel sadness for others.
“Physical changes can be common. Some people experience significant weight loss or gain, or show less interest in their personal appearance and self-care – for example, not shaving, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, or replacing proper meals with only snacks.
“Loss of interest in activities someone used to enjoy is another symptom. Social withdrawal is frequent, as being around others may feel overwhelming.
“Isolation in depression is less about the number of people you’re around, and more about feeling disconnected from yourself.
“Cognitive and emotional symptoms are also present. People may struggle with concentration, memory, or decision-making, while also feeling drained, agitated, guilty, or overwhelmed by feelings of worthlessness.
“It’s important to remember that every symptom tells a story, and together, these stories speak the language of depression.”
The lesser-known symptoms:
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Body pains
- Cramps
- Speaking slowly
- Moving slowly
- Irritability
- Substance use
- Increased or decreased sex drive
- Overworking
- Declining work performance
- Fading attention to detail
- Difficulty maintaining basic routines
- Co-dependency in relationships
- Needing constant attachment
2. AN UNTIDY HOUSE
LOW mood doesn’t often drain people of their energy to live, but depression can sap us of the energy which helps us feel physically and mentally alive.
When feeling down, people are often still able to connect to their emotions. But depression can cause emotional numbness or overwhelming sadness that feels difficult to connect to or tolerate.
Finally, low mood might make someone feel down but still able to get out of bed; depression can cause severe fatigue and make getting up or completing daily tasks extremely difficult.
It is therefore common to find people’s homes untidy, cluttered or unclean, or they may take less care when it comes to their appearance.
3. INDECISIVENESS
PEOPLE can often continue to function normally when they’re feeling blue, but depression risks interfering with work, relationships, and things people usually enjoy.
It’s common to have difficulty maintaining concentration and focus, but depression often impairs cognitive functions like memory, decision-making, and attention.
Low mood often lifts with social interaction or activities, whereas depression can make even simple pleasures feel meaningless or impossible.
Someone may feel nothing when completing tasks they feel they ‘should’ enjoy.
Poor posture and back pain are common among people with depression[/caption]
4. POOR POSTURE
DEPRESSION may impact sleep and appetite in ways that low mood will not.
This could result in physical changes over time, like poor posture, back pain, weight gain or loss.
Low mood on the other hand rarely causes considerable physical changes.
5. BEING SELF-CRITICAL
SOMEONE simply “down in the dumps” won’t usually deeply reflect on their own worth or guilt, but people with depression can.
They may develop a very harsh view of themselves, feeling like they are a burden on those around them, or that they have no value to offer anyone or anything in life.
Low mood rarely associates with risk, whereas depression can lead to thoughts of death or suicide.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
6. NO GOALS
RELATIONSHIPS may suffer if you’re depressed as you might withdraw or find communication more difficult.
Work or school performance can worsen due to challenges with concentration, motivation, and energy.
One of the most profound impacts is how it can rob us of hope. This despair can make it difficult to imagine a future, set goals, or pursue aspirations, affecting both daily life and long-term plans.
Some people are struggling so much with depression they only feel they can make things worse, and lose hope they can make things better.
Who is most at risk? And how to seek help
“DEPRESSION is sadly rather common,” Andrew says.
“In fact, it’s one of the most commonly reported mental health issues worldwide.”
Around one in six adults in the UK report experiencing a mental health problem in any given week. Three in every 100 people are diagnosed with depression.
Andrew says: “While it can affect anyone, the most at risk groups appear to be:
- Teenagers and young adults, who may express symptoms as irritability or school difficulties.
- Older adults, where depression may be overlooked as part of ageing (but it isn’t).
- People experiencing high stress, trauma, or who live with chronic illness.
“One of the most painful aspects of depression is the sense of being alone. Please know that help is available, and reaching out can save lives.
“The first step varies between people, but you might choose to speak with a GP or a mental health professional, such as a counsellor, psychotherapist, or psychologist.
“It is understandable to want to search for ‘the best’ therapy, but remember that your experience of depression is unique. The most effective support is likely to be one that resonates personally with you, rather than a one-size-fits-all clinical approach.
“Therapy can be accessed through your GP, private providers, or third-sector charities.
“Ensure that anyone you work with is registered with a recognised professional body (like the BACP) for accountability and standards of care.
“You can also support yourself by surrounding yourself with people you connect with, working to shift your thoughts, and taking meaningful action.”