5 Surprising Signs of Depression

5 Surprising Signs of Depression

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You’re familiar with depression in people you know, perhaps even in your own experience. Depressed people sleep a lot, or can’t sleep. They feel overwhelmed with sadness. You know you are not in a major depression, but it’s possible you may be mildly depressed. Perhaps a little extra support could help you feel happier and more like yourself. Here are some surprising signs of low-level depression.

You are Super-Fidgety

Feeling agitated and anxious is a depression indicator that often goes unrecognized. Pay attention if your sleep and energy patterns have changed recently.

You’re Inexplicably Achy

When we repress our emotions, they have to erupt somewhere. Often they express as physical symptoms such as headaches, chronic pain or stomach aches. That doesn’t mean the pain is all in your head; it is often a genuine manifestation of low-level depression. Studies show 40 percent of migraine sufferers are also depressed. Depression often worsens pain, and pain can increase depression. Check with your doctor.

You’re Suddenly a Slowpoke

If simple things are taking you longer than usual, it may be a sign of depression. Depression often impedes memory and processing time. It literally slows down the psychomotor skills, and it may put you at a higher risk for physical disabilities as you age.

You’re Ticked Off

If you’re frequently annoyed without an apparent reason, the cause may be depression. A 2013 study showed half of people who experienced depressive episodes reported feeling irritable and angry. Men, particularly, often express depression as anger.

Your Cravings Are Out of Control

Craving carbs and sugar every day may be a sign of depression. In a 2010 study, participants who were possibly depressed ate 8.4 servings of chocolate monthly, while healthy participants ate only 5.4 servings per month. Cravings are often a sign your brain is asking for a quick uptick of serotonin, as carbohydrates provide an insulin spike that supports production of serotonin.