Important facts:
- Depression is a common mental disorder. You are not alone.
- Approximately 5.7% of adults worldwide are affected by depression.
- Approximately 322 million people worldwide live with depression.
- Depression is over 1.5 times more common in women than in men.
- India has about 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, while the WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.
Depression is a silent struggle. It doesn’t always look visible in a person’s life. It often hides in plain sight as everyday changes in habits and feelings. It affects millions of people worldwide. However, most of them never even receive treatment, usually because the signs of depression are difficult to spot.
I know, depression is a scary word, and so is handling it yourself, but it is also treatable. Let’s take an overview of some subtle cues and how they manifest in our daily life, so you can help yourself or someone you care about.
Common signs of active depression
According to the DSM-5 (The diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals), an individual must experience five or more of the following symptoms during the same two-week period. One of those symptoms is either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
Note: Please remember that only a qualified mental health professional can provide a more accurate diagnosis. This list is a guide, not a doctor.
The Physical Signs
- Chronic, unexplainable aches and pains.
- Consistent feeling of fatigue or low energy.
- Noticeable changes in appetite or weight (not dieting).
- Sleeping too much or struggling with insomnia.
- A feeling of “heavy” or weighed-down limbs.
- No interest in personal grooming or hygiene.
The Mental & Emotional Signs
- Increased irritability to the surroundings or people.
- Feeling emotionally numb, lost, or “checked out.”
- Difficulty concentrating, “brain fog,” or memory problems.
- An intense feeling of guilt, worthlessness, or self-loathing.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in once-loved activities.
- Difficulty in decision-making.
- A persistent sense of hopelessness.
- Hiding sadness with a cheerful mask (“smiling depression”).
The Behavioral & Social Signs
- Withdrawing from social gatherings and friends.
- Engaging in irresponsible or impulsive behaviors.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
- Increased sensitivity to criticism.
- Constantly seeking reassurance from others.
- Avoiding difficult conversations about feelings.
- Changes in social media habits (less posting, or more negative content).
Depression looks different on everyone, and the symptoms can be invisible unless they become too much for a person. It is a recognised medical disorder and it can lead to multiple unwanted outcomes, including suicide. Getting help is easy and support is available, even if it feels difficult to reach.
All you have to do is go and get it, whether for yourself or someone you love. Talk to a trusted doctor or therapist, contact a mental health hotline, or reach out to a friend. You are not supposed to and you don’t have to carry this burden alone.