Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, affecting millions of people across all walks of life. Despite its prevalence, it is often misunderstood or overlooked. This blog delves into what depression is, its symptoms, and answers an important question: Are suicidal thoughts a marker for depression? We’ll also explore what a functioning depressed person looks like and the signs to watch for in yourself or a loved one.
What is Depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It affects how you feel, think, and behave, leading to emotional and physical problems. Depression is not merely a feeling of sadness or a response to temporary stress but a chronic illness that requires attention and care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people globally suffer from depression. In severe cases, depression can lead to serious consequences, including suicidal thoughts or actions.
“A human being can survive almost anything as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.“
Elizabeth Wurtzel
Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests in different ways, but there are common symptoms that can indicate its presence:
- Persistent Sadness or Low Mood
Feeling overwhelmingly sad or empty most of the day, nearly every day, for an extended period of time. - Loss of Interest or Pleasure
Losing interest in hobbies, activities, or social engagements that once brought joy. - Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Feeling exhausted, even after sleeping, or finding simple tasks mentally or physically draining. - Sleep Disturbances
Experiencing insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much but still feeling tired). - Changes in Appetite or Weight
Significant weight loss or gain without trying, or a marked decrease or increase in appetite. - Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
Consistently feeling guilty, blaming oneself for things that aren’t in one’s control, or believing one has no value. - Difficulty Concentrating
Struggling to focus, make decisions, or remember things. - Physical Symptoms
Depression can also manifest physically with headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained pains. - Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide are common in severe depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.
Are Suicidal Thoughts a Marker for Depression?
Yes, suicidal thoughts can be a marker of depression, but they are most commonly associated with severe cases of depression. Not everyone who is depressed will experience suicidal thoughts, but those who do are at a high risk of harming themselves. Research shows that more than 90% of people who die by suicide have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition like depression .
In milder cases, depression may not escalate to suicidal ideation, but it’s vital to take any signs of depression seriously. Thoughts of suicide should always be treated as an emergency, as they indicate that the person feels hopeless and is in great emotional pain.
“People think depression is sadness. That it’s crying and dressing in black, but people are wrong. Depression is the constant feeling of being numb. It’s being numb to emotions, being numb to life. You wake up in the morning just to go back to bed again“.
Unknown
What Does a Functioning Depressed Person Look Like?
A functioning depressed person may not fit the typical image of someone struggling with depression. They can appear to manage their daily responsibilities—work, family, social life—while quietly battling the inner symptoms of depression. This is known as high-functioning depression or persistent depressive disorder (PDD), a milder but chronic form of depression.
Signs of a functioning depressed person include:
- Masking Emotions: They often hide their true feelings, keeping up appearances while feeling empty or sad inside.
- Perfectionism: They may push themselves to excel at work or other activities, using busyness as a distraction from their depression.
- Exhaustion: Functioning depressed individuals often feel drained from constantly pretending to be okay, leading to frequent burnout or fatigue.
- Withdrawal: Even though they may still attend social functions or go to work, they may gradually withdraw emotionally, avoiding deep connections or conversations about how they truly feel.
“It’s so difficult to describe depression to someone who’s never been there because it’s not sadness”.
-J.K. Rowling
Markers to Look Out for in Yourself or Others
If you suspect that you may be depressed or know someone who may be experiencing difficulties, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Changes in Mood: Noticeable shifts in mood, particularly irritability, sadness, or feeling emotionally numb.
- Loss of Motivation: Lack of interest in work, hobbies, or interacting with others is a major sign that something might be wrong.
- Physical Complaints: Increased reports of unexplained aches, pains, or other physical ailments can indicate depression.
- Substance Use: Increased reliance on alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with emotional pain is a warning sign.
- Self-Isolation: Avoiding friends and family, or making excuses not to engage in activities, could point to depression.
Risky Behavior: Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior, such as driving too fast or using substances excessively, may be a red flag for depression.
Statistics on Depression
Globally, depression is the leading cause of disability, with the WHO estimating that it contributes to 4.4% of the global burden of disease. In the U.S., approximately 17.3 million adults, or 7.1% of the population, have experienced at least one major depressive episode, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
In Africa, mental health conditions, including depression, are on the rise. According to a 2017 study published in the African Journal of Psychiatry, nearly 50 million people in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from some form of depression, yet the majority go undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma and lack of resources.
In Kenya, the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030 reports that 1 in 4 Kenyans may experience mental health issues in their lifetime, with depression being the most common. Suicide rates in Kenya have also been on the rise, partly linked to untreated depression.
“I wanted to talk about it. Damn it. I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell. I wanted to shout about it. But all I could do was whisper, “I’m fine.”
Unknown
Published Studies on Depression
Several studies have emphasized the seriousness of depression.
- A 2020 study by the Lancet Psychiatry highlighted how depression is linked to increased mortality, not just through suicide but also through heart disease, diabetes, and cancer .
- Research from the University of Toronto in 2019 demonstrated how depression during adolescence can have lifelong effects, impacting educational attainment and physical health .
- A 2018 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals with high-functioning depression are less likely to seek help, increasing the likelihood of their condition worsening over time .
“Depression is living in a body that fights to survive, with a mind that tries to die”.
Unknown
Final Thoughts: Seek Help if Needed
Depression is a real and serious mental health condition, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and medication have been proven to help individuals manage and overcome depression.
Call to Action:
Do any of these symptoms resonate with you or someone you know? Take the first step toward mental wellness—reach out to a mental health professional or share your thoughts in the comments below. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s talk about your mental health.
Befrienders Worldwide and the International Association for Suicide Prevention are two organizations that provide contact information for crisis centers
