8 Hidden Signs of Depression to Watch Out For

Depression, especially milder cases, doesn’t always involve crying or feeling obviously unhappy. These subtler mental clues could also indicate you have this mood disorder.

iStock/zeynepogan

You hide from your feelings

You might be a “perfectly hidden depressed person,” says Fayetteville, Arkansas psychologist Margaret Rutherford, PhD, where people think, “This is someone out there in the community, very task-oriented, almost perfectionistic. She has her act together.” On the inside you might be grappling with unresolved or troubling issues, but you don’t like to think about them, let alone talk about them. “This person might look and seem like she has it all together, but if you scratch the surface, you’ll see they’re terrified that if they begin talking about what they really feel like, they’ll just break apart,” Rutherford says. While you’re watching out for these signs of depression, you should also be aware of these facts psychologists wish people knew about the illness.

iStock/digitalskillet

You wouldn’t say you’re happy or unhappy

This weird gray zone could be a sign of apathy or ambivalence, according to wellness expert Brett Blumenthal, author of A Whole New You: Six Steps to Ignite Change for Your Best Life, on her blog. “If one is depressed, they may unknowingly turn off all of their emotions in order to shut out emotions such as unhappiness,” she writes. If you notice that someone close to you is showing signs of depression try out these 12 ways to help someone with depression.

iStock/Geber86

You’ve carefully constructed a very busy life

One way that people may cope with these buried emotions, says Rutherford, is to stay on autopilot. “They might be very into their children, their church, other community groups, they might be workaholics—they use this activity to stay away from their feelings,” she says. However, certain lifestyle changes can also help you with overcoming depression.

iStock/stevecoleimages

Random things make you mad

A lot of people think of signs of depression as sadness, crying, and melancholy, but anger can be a common sign too, especially for men. It might be that anger is a more comfortable—or, socially acceptable—channel of expression. Rutherford shares an example of someone grieving from a recent divorce who might not be able to get through the day without expressing rage: yelling at his kids, or being more irritable at work. “This anger is just as much a sign of depression as if he came in and were sobbing on my couch,” she says. Or if you’re just feeling angry, learn how to control anger using these 24 tricks and tips.

iStock/Kikovic

You’re acting recklessly

Another sign of depression, particularly in men, is taking dangerous risks with driving, sex, gambling, drinking, or other similar activities, according to WebMD. Here are some of the signs of high-functioning depression.

iStock/bgwalker

You aren’t thinking clearly

A sluggish mind is a common sign of depression Rutherford sees with her patients. “They’ll say, ‘It feels like my mind is just murky; I can’t think through things like I used to, like I’m dragging my mind through mud,’” she says. Blumenthal writes that it’s common for people with depression to have trouble focusing on even the most basic tasks and that they can become very indecisive. Depression and bipolar disorder can have similar symptoms—here are the silent symptoms of bipolar disorder you could be ignoring.

iStock/elenaleonova

You stop enjoying activities you previously loved

You used to go to the gym three or four days a week, or rarely missed a golf or card game with friends. But if you start to feel like you have to force yourself to go, or just don’t want to do them anymore, it could be a warning sign of depression. Brain changes during depression can make you less engaged and motivated. This is why some women get depressed during menopause and others don’t.

iStock/zergkind

You’re introspective to a fault

Depression forces you to focus on yourself and your needs, and you become less concerned about others. That turning away can lead to guilty feelings. “Patients feel bad because they realize they’re not as involved with their kids, or families or friends. Many people are aware of how self-involved they are,” Rutherford says.