Depression is associated with a persistent decrease in mood, feelings of hopelessness, frequent crying, lack of interest in activities that were previously important, cravings for sweets, weight gain, back pain, and constipation.
But in reality, there is a long list of not entirely clear symptoms that are often attributed to physiological problems, but at the same time may indicate mental health disorders, particularly depression:
Changes in appetite and weight: A person may start eating large or small amounts of food, and may be particularly drawn to "comfort" foods such as sweets and fatty foods. Previously favorite foods may become undesirable, and there may be a sudden increase or decrease in weight.
Sleep deprivation or excessive sleep: Depression may prevent sleep altogether, or make it shallow and fragmented, or difficult to get out of bed in the morning. The affected person may suffer from insomnia or sleep most of the day, but in both cases, they feel lethargic and drowsy while awake.
Loss of libido: Sexual desire may decrease due to a chemical imbalance in the brain related to a decrease in the levels of the pleasure hormones, dopamine and serotonin .
Psychomotor bradykinesia: A person begins to think, speak, and move more slowly than usual, making everyday tasks such as bathing, brushing teeth, and cooking difficult. This condition is known as psychomotor bradykinesia and may be linked to low dopamine levels.
Psychomotor agitation: In some cases, depression increases the speed of movement and thought rather than slowing them down; the person moves and speaks rapidly, their thoughts race, they suffer from insomnia and anxiety, they cannot relax, and they are in a constant state of tension. This agitation increases the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Difficulty making decisions: Depression negatively affects mental abilities, and the affected person may have difficulty concentrating, expressing themselves clearly, and even making simple decisions in everyday situations.
Constipation or diarrhea: Depression can affect normal bowel function; in some people, digestion slows down, leading to constipation, while in others it speeds up, causing diarrhea.
Various body aches and pains: Back, abdominal, leg, or arm pain, unrelated to any organic cause, may be a sign of depression. These pains may also result from the body being subjected to continuous stress, leading to muscle tension in different parts.
Loss of energy: Most people with depression complain of constant fatigue and lack of energy.
Severe mood swings: Depression does not necessarily mean constant sadness; the sufferer may experience alternating strong emotions such as agitation, anger, nervousness, panic, sadness, and crying spells, and may become less tolerant of others.
Emotional numbness: Some sufferers lose interest in hobbies and everything that used to make them happy, and feel emotionally numb and unable to feel any strong emotion.
The desire for isolation: Depression drives a person to avoid socializing with friends and family, and to withdraw from social activities that they previously enjoyed.
Artificial smiles: In some cases, the affected person tries to hide their condition with an exaggerated smile, pretending that everything is fine, while their condition is completely different behind this appearance.
