The precise cause of depression remains unknown to scientists. Nevertheless, numerous specialists suggest that the start of the condition is influenced by a combination of biological and environmental variables.

Certain individuals may experience depression without being aware of it. While symptoms like sadness or hopelessness are widely recognised, there are some less conspicuous indicators of depression. This article explores some of the more subtle indications of depression. Additionally, it addresses prevalent triggers of depression and provides guidance on appropriate actions to take if an individual or someone they care about encounters these symptoms.

1. Low desire for sex

Changes in sex drive are regarded by some medical practitioners as a crucial sign when identifying depressive episodes. More severe sexual dysfunction was linked to more severe depression in a 2018 study. Problems with sexual function, desire, and satisfaction were all part of this dysfunction. A person with depression may have a drop in libido for a number of reasons.

2. Changes in Appetite and Weight

Eating excessively or insufficiently may be a sign of depression. Some people use food as a comfort, whereas others who are depressed eat less or lose their appetite. One may gain or lose weight as a result of these modifications in food intake. They may also have an impact on energy and mood. Whether or if dietary modifications are deliberate is one way to tell if they are connected to depression. If they're not, depression might be the root cause.

3. Uncontrollable emotions or feelings

An angry outburst occurs in one minute. The next, uncontrollably, tears come down. Mood swings caused by depression can vary greatly and are unrelated to anything outside of the person experiencing them.

4. Changes in sleeping patterns

Sleep and mood are closely related to one another. Depression and sleep deprivation are linked, as depression can exacerbate sleep difficulties. According to recent studies, depression may be exacerbated by prolonged sleep loss. Changes in the brain's neurochemistry could be the cause of this. Sleeping more than normal, though, can sometimes indicate that someone is depressed.

5. Use of drugs or alcohol

Some individuals with mood problems turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for unpleasant feelings like hopelessness, loneliness, or unhappiness. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), approximately one in five Americans who suffer from anxiety or a mood condition like depression also struggle with an alcohol or drug use problem. On the other hand, the same percentage of people who suffer from a mood condition also have an alcohol or drug use problem.

6. Negative self-talk

A lot of individuals who are depressed engage in destructive, critical thoughts about themselves and engage in negative self-talk. Negative self-talk has been shown to have detrimental impacts on wellbeing and cognitive function, despite the paucity of studies on its long-term implications.

7. Feeling excessively tired or fatigue

Being very fatigued is a prevalent sign of depression. According to some research, weariness affects over 90% of individuals who suffer from depression. While fatigue is a common human emotion, individuals who experience extreme or ongoing fatigue, particularly in conjunction with other symptoms, may be suffering from hidden depression.

8. Forced happiness

Hidden depression is sometimes referred to as "smiling depression." This is because people who conceal their symptoms could do so to make their faces appear joyful when they are around other people. It can be challenging, though, to maintain this artificial optimism and happiness. Gradually, the façade could come off, revealing feelings of melancholy, despair, or isolation.

9. Less optimistic than others

There is a theory that suggests "depressive realism" is a characteristic shown by those who are depressed. This implies that compared to those without depression, they might have a more accurate perception of what happened and a greater sense of control over it. Being more realistic or pessimistic than other people could be an indication of depression, particularly if the individual also exhibits other potential symptoms.

10. Loss of concentration

A person may be experiencing memory and attention problems if they become distracted during talks or lose their line of thought. These kinds of problems are typical signs of depression. An earlier 2014 study raises the possibility that these focus and concentration issues may exacerbate the social effects of depression by increasing the difficulty of navigating both personal and professional relationships.

Moreover, a 2018 narrative review points out that a crucial component of major depressive disorder (MDD) is cognitive dysfunction. This can have a big impact on someone's productivity at work, social life, and return to work.