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5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Printable Version

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5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Rafterman - 02-19-2018

Hey all,

Last month I put up a thread that identified 5 signs of depression that are often overlooked by mental health professionals. Here are another 5 signs that are seldom recognized. These are not as common as the previous 5 signs, but you would surprised just how common they are. As with the 5 signs from the first thread, I took these examples from my own battles with depression, as well as from my years as a counselor. Has anyone experienced any of these?

1.You have a complete disinterest in socialization. You would rather not interact with another human, especially in person and especially right after you first wake up. Something as simple as dealing with a cashier could be challenging.

2.Returning phone calls becomes nearly impossible. As your depression worsens, you tend to let the answering machine get it more and more often. Then you feel like you have to work up enough motivation to call back those who left a message.

3,You let emails sit for days. Even emails from people whom you are happy to hear from. You just can't click that "open" button.


4.You suddenly care about light and noise. For most depressed people, it can never be light enough in an indoor room. The TV is too loud, the barking of the neighbors dogs is suddenly very aggravating, and your kids just won't be quiet. Things that never really bothered you too much in the past are now destroying your peace.

5.Even fun things become a chore. Shopping for things that you like, watching TV shows, going to the mall, etc. Everything fails to excite...even the things that you used to look forward to.  



RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Naomi - 02-23-2018

All of these. Very relatable. I speak with my therapist about number four a lot. It's actually a disorder. Sensory processing disorder. I can't stand repetitive sounds. In any circumstance. Music, ambient sounds and of course the standard alarm type noises. Sadly there is not much you can do about it, but it made me glad to know it was a real disorder at least.


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - horsies - 02-23-2018

Yes, all these are familiar as well. Some more than others but I've done them all. I agree Naomi, the light sensitivity and just being in the dark become the norm sometimes. Which isn't very healthy. Great posts Rafterman!


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - thegreaseman - 02-23-2018

Rafterman, I can't emphasize to you enough how helpful your threads have been. So often in therapy points like these don't come up, and inside I want to express myself better. Bless you.


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Xfizzler - 02-24-2018

I must agree with greaseman as well. Rafterman you have great over looked wisdom that truly is unique and beneficial. I enjoyed those fine points.

Xfizzler


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Xfizzler - 02-24-2018

Just wanted to add to this thread with ways to cope.
If negative feelings control your life, try the following:


[1]Write down your feelings in a journal.

[2]Express your feelings to a close relative or friend.

[3]Challenge your feelings. For example, ask yourself, ‘Is there really evidence to support such a negative view of myself?’

[4]Do not hold on to anxiety, anger

Bottom Line- Often, negative feelings are not the result of our circumstances but of how we view them.

Xfizzler


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Naomi - 02-25-2018

(02-24-2018, 07:24 PM)Xfizzler Wrote: Just wanted to add to this thread with ways to cope.
If negative feelings control your life, try the following:


[1]Write down your feelings in a journal.

[2]Express your feelings to a close relative or friend.

[3]Challenge your feelings. For example, ask yourself, ‘Is there really evidence to support such a negative view of myself?’

[4]Do not hold on to anxiety, anger

Bottom Line- Often, negative feelings are not the result of our circumstances but of how we view them.

Xfizzler

Holding onto anger is so second nature to me. I've done anger management and I've definitely noticed a difference, but I still find myself ruminating. I think it's one of those habits I really need to find a way to break. anger management helped me recognize my anger, but I still have difficulty letting go of the feelings.


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Rafterman - 02-26-2018

(02-24-2018, 04:53 AM)Xfizzler Wrote: I must agree with greaseman as well. Rafterman you have great over looked wisdom that truly is unique and beneficial. I enjoyed those fine points.

Xfizzler
Wow, thank you very much, X. I really appreciate that you think that.

(02-24-2018, 07:24 PM)Xfizzler Wrote: Just wanted to add to this thread with ways to cope.
If negative feelings control your life, try the following:


[1]Write down your feelings in a journal.

[2]Express your feelings to a close relative or friend.

[3]Challenge your feelings. For example, ask yourself, ‘Is there really evidence to support such a negative view of myself?’

[4]Do not hold on to anxiety, anger

Bottom Line- Often, negative feelings are not the result of our circumstances but of how we view them.

Xfizzler
All invaluable suggestions and a perfect addition to the thread.


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - vanSpiff - 02-26-2018

I think I must be in denial that i'm not depressed because I have every single one of those signs and probably would have some of the recognized signs as well. I've had a serious lack of energy for years now and only do what is necessary now outside of work except on very rare occasions where I get a burst of hypomanic energy for a bit which is like a little present from the universe to me, but it doesn't give that to me without some effort on my part to spark some inspiration. I'm told i'm one of the hardest workers in my workplace oddly enough, however, my co-morbid social anxiety would explain that as I would rather work my ass off than let the opportunity for idle chitchat with a co-worker arise. Also, my PTSD and other issues probably overshadow any depression I may have and it goes unnoticed day-to-day other than the lack of energy...I guess it's all tied together in a knot though and I can't say i've known what true happiness feels like for a very long time now, the kind where you feel as light as a feather and the weight of the world or your past experiences doesn't constantly bog you down. I get by with a little help from my friends though, I get...a lot of people know that song.

Thanks for the informative posts!


RE: 5 ADDITIONAL signs of depression that a counselor will probably never ask you about - Naomi - 02-26-2018

A present from the universe...that's how I feel, too, when I get the energy to do something above and beyond shower and work. I try to hold onto that feeling as long as possible. If only it, or some form of it (happiness?) could last longer.