Acknowledging and confronting depression can be a daunting task. For many, it’s often easier to dismiss feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair as temporary or insignificant rather than acknowledging them as symptoms of a larger issue at play.
However, refusing to acknowledge depression can prolong unpleasant symptoms and delay the healing process.
Let’s explore four common signs that indicate you may be avoiding or denying your depression. By recognizing these signs, you can take the first step towards seeking help, finding support, and improving your well-being.
1. You Notice Changes in Your Sleep Schedule and Routine
One of the most common signs of depression is a change in sleeping habits. Many people struggling with depression will have a hard time falling asleep at night or staying asleep throughout the night.
Some individuals may find themselves sleeping more than usual. Without awareness of their underlying struggle with depression, they might attribute these changes to ruminating over past events or pondering future career or personal responsibilities.
2. You’re Eating Too Much or Too Little
Another common sign that may be difficult to acknowledge there’s a larger issue at play is a change in someone’s eating habits or weight. Similar to changes in sleeping habits, eating habits can change in one of two ways: eating too much or too little. Both can be signs of depression.
Someone struggling with depression may have a difficult time acknowledging this type of change and may not realize how depression plays a role. Instead, they may believe that it’s due to their daily energy burn, feeling sick, not getting enough sleep, having a lot of cravings, or being too busy.
3. You Have No Sexual Desire
Another big indicator that there’s something bigger at play is a low sex drive. Low sex drive is common in individuals struggling with depression. This sign may be harder to spot than others because sex drive tends to ebb and flow depending on the events that take place throughout your daily life and routine.
Depression causes a loss of interest in activities that are considered to be enjoyable or pleasurable. Low sex drive can also stem from being too tired or having low self-esteem. Since a lot of the signs and symptoms can lead to other signs and symptoms, a low sex drive may be more difficult to diagnose as one of the signs and symptoms of depression.
Plus, it can be difficult to feel like you have to explain the reason that you’re not interested in being physical with a romantic partner, especially if the reason is depression.
4. You’re No Longer Interested in Things That Previously Brought You Joy
Another telltale sign of depression is a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. While this may be a common sign or symptom of depression, it’s also one that people may pass off as something different. They may not realize what’s driving this sudden lack of joy.
They may try to make it seem like they’ve been too busy with their personal life or work to enjoy activities they previously enjoyed. Even if they know deep down that they don’t share the same fulfillment, they may not be willing to admit that to someone else for fear of them finding out what’s really happening with them.
Next Steps
If you suspect that you are struggling with depression, consider seeking additional help. The signs and symptoms can worsen if left untreated. Admitting to yourself that you’re struggling isn’t an easy thing to do. But it’s an important first step in moving forward. Reach out today to get the help you need and deserve.
You can learn more about treatment for depression here.
