Thread on the symptoms of depression 'that no one talks about' is resonating with thousands
The person explained that depression can affect people in so many ways that are invisible to the untrained eye.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 17, 2023. It has since been updated.
Every day feels like a battle for those suffering from depression. Sadly, there is never just one symptom. Presently, there has been a new surge of people trying to recognize the effects of depression. The unbeatable feeling of not wanting to get out of bed, feeling misunderstood and having a sudden wave of agony can make anyone feel drained. Depression isn't about feeling sad. If anything, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Despite its prevalence, depression is associated with myths and stigma that can make it hard for anyone to be treated. It is a cathartic process and if people only view you as a "sad person," this line of thinking prevents an individual from accessing many effective depression treatment options.
To break out of all the limited knowledge on depression, a Twitter user (@ItsEmilyKaty) discusses the symptoms of depression "that no one talks about." People are still responding to and reflecting on Emily's tweets from 2020. However, it is to be noted that these symptoms may not apply to everyone. Depression also results from the intrinsic human tendency to be more sensitive to negative than positive events. Another element influencing the growth of negative thought patterns in many people is the pervasiveness of negativity on social media. Depression is viewed as a commodity in the media and has had a significant negative impact on people globally.
1.
Complete mental exhaustion from fighting your brain constantly. This can lead to lack of concentration, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, missing deadlines, withdrawing from socialising, insomnia and higher susceptibility to physical illness. /2
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
2.
Dissociation. Feeling like you’re moving through life but aren’t really there. Things just happen around you but they don’t feel real. Feeling detached from your body. Feeling like you’re watching yourself from the outside. Feeling disconnected and numb. Nothing feels real. /3
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
3.
Just the thought of living seems impossible. It takes a huge amount of physical energy and mental effort to get through each day, so just waking up in the morning and being faced with yet another day feels soul-destroying. /4
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
4.
Engaging in behaviour which isn’t obviously self-destructive but long-term may be. For example, drinking too much too often, putting yourself in unsafe situations, having unprotected sex, spending a lot of money, making impulsive decisions. /5
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
5.
The physical effects of depression. Stomach pain. Throbbing headaches. Lack of appetite. Missing your period. Constipation/diarrhoea. Chronic fatigue. Nausea. Weight gain or weight loss. Every part of your body aching. Insomnia. /6
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
6.
An overwhelming sense of shame. This may be from feeling judged by other people, from not being able to accomplish the things you normally can, from struggling with personal hygiene or keeping your environment tidy or from feeling like a failure. /7
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
7.
Feeling unable to concentrate on anything so you just lie on your bed or scrolling through social media because you can’t concentrate, willing for the hours to go past quickly so the day can end. /8
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
8.
Guilt. Perhaps this is from struggling to keep up with other people’s demands/expectations or feeling you are letting others down by cancelling on them or not being able to do what you said you would. /9
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
9.
Feeling like you have to pretend everything is fine. Getting dressed up, doing your hair & makeup, going out, smiling, acting like nothing is wrong. Someone asking you if you’re doing okay and you saying ‘I’m fine.’ /10
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
10.
Knowing that you’re back in that place again, but not knowing how you can possibly change that. Knowing what helps you feel better but not having the energy to be able to do those things. /11
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
11.
An inability to even think about the future, let alone plan for it. Perhaps you are now living in the future you didn’t think would ever exist, and that makes everything feel unreal. Perhaps you can’t see yourself making it another day, so planning ahead seems impossible. /12
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
12.
Your room/house getting disgustingly messy because you don’t have the energy to make your bed let alone empty the bins. /13
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
13.
Anger at yourself. Because you feel like you’re wasting valuable time. Because you want to be able to fix things but can’t. Because you can’t explain to someone else why you’re feeling the way you are. Because you feel like your progress has all gone. /14
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
14.
I’m sure this list could go on forever. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you are struggling remember you are never alone. For support you can contact: @samaritans @MindCharity @TheMixUK @NSPCC @PAPYRUS_tweets @GiveUsAShout.
— Emily♡ (@ItsEmilyKaty) September 6, 2020
This is why it is critical to educate yourself on the myths and effects of depression on yourself and those around you. It is a complex mental illness that has many causes and symptoms. If you think you are depressed, it is advised that you seek professional help or maybe consult a therapist who can help you understand the magnitude of whatever you are feeling. And always remember that there's no shame in seeking help.
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