The hidden depression signs l ignored for years.
Coming to terms with having depression was hard. It was even harder going to a therapist and talking about it
I remember feeling sad all of the time, but I would tell myself it was just sadness and nothing else. I’d also tell myself that I was just tired from working so much. Burnout is real and I was convince it was just happening to me.
But then I started noticing things like my laugh changing. My laugh was forced, like I was being louder about it to try to convince myself and others that I was being genuine.
I also started eating. And I mean uncontrollably eating everything at all hours of the day. I’d be snacking before I ate my main meals, after my meals. Before bed, after a nap, when I was bored, when I was playing video games. When I wasn’t eating, I was sleeping.
I’d sleep forever. I’m talking about 12+ hours of sleep. I felt so tired all the time. I also caught myself sleeping just to have dreams of a different reality than the one I was living in.
Which is why I would play video games. I literally have over 500 hours in hogwarts legacy alone. Just one game 🥲. I did it because I wanted to escape. I wanted to distract myself from what I was feeling and pretend that I was in whichever game I was playing.
I also didn’t care about cleaning up. My room was a mess, I had the typical depression room. I had clothes everywhere, things out of place because I never put them back. Id buy new items and just leave them on my floor.
When I started to go to therapy, my therapist told me these were all signs of depression. I wanted to be in denial but they all just made sense. My therapist and I worked on ways to battle my depression, she put me on medications (this took a while for me to find the right ones).
I do feel sad from time to time, but I remember what she’s taught me and I journal, or I think of little things I’m thankful for like my cats. It’s been a struggle but I feel I’m doing a bit better.
Were/are there any signs you’ve caught that made you realize you have depression?
#GirlTalk #depressionsupport #mentalhealthawareness #depressionsupport #myjourney
Recognizing the hidden signs of depression is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Common signs include changes in behavior such as a forced or altered laugh, which may reflect attempts to mask true feelings. Uncontrollable eating at all hours, as described, often indicates emotional distress and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Excessive sleep—sometimes 12 or more hours daily—can signal profound fatigue associated with depression rather than simple tiredness. Additionally, neglecting personal hygiene and living environment, like messy rooms and scattered belongings, are symptoms often ignored. Depression can also manifest through increased escapism, such as spending hundreds of hours on video games to avoid facing reality. While distraction can provide temporary relief, it is important to recognize these behaviors as signs rather than solutions. Therapy plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing depression. Working with a mental health professional helps individuals understand their symptoms, develop coping skills, and find appropriate medication if needed. Journaling and practicing gratitude are effective techniques to combat daily sadness and maintain mental wellness. If you notice similar signs in yourself or loved ones—changes in laugh, eating patterns, sleep, and cleanliness—it is important to seek professional advice. Early recognition and treatment can improve quality of life. Remember, depression is a medical condition requiring compassion, support, and care. Connecting with communities focused on mental health awareness, such as #depressionsupport and #mentalhealthawareness, can also offer valuable peer support and resources.
Yes, I feel you 100%. Escapism feels good in the moment but the reality always comes back. I’ve been learning the same—being honest with myself, sitting with the feelings instead of burying them, and finding little ways to keep moving forward. It’s not easy, but it’s real.