Mental Health

Lesser Known Symptoms Of Depression

By ginger robertson

Thanks to sensationalized media depictions of mental illness and stigma surrounding mental health conditions, people tend to have a limited view of what depression actually looks like. When you think of a "depressed person," perhaps you envision an image from a movie or medication commercial: Someone lying alone in a dark room, crying into a box of tissues, overcome with feelings of hopelessness.

This picture is not necessarily inaccurate; it is simply incomplete. There are many more manifestations of depression - symptoms that aren't necessarily visible or immediately obvious. Knowing the seldom discussed symptoms of depression, being able to recognize the less obvious signs may help you or a loved one identify and seek treatment for depression.

Here are a few lesser-known symptoms to look out for:

Brain Fog

Studies have shown that depression can reduce cognitive functions, including working memory, long-term memory, decision making and ability to focus. Research also suggests that people with depression often have "widespread grey matter structural abnormalities" in the brain - observable structural differences that contribute to such cognitive deficits.

This often presents in what we refer to as a "brain fog," in which people may experience an inability to focus on tasks, slower reaction times, forgetfulness and feelings of being mentally "blocked " Naturally, this can lead to a number of professional, personal and emotional challenges; combating cognitive symptoms can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience.Substance Use

While substance use disorders are complex conditions, they are often linked to depression. People experiencing substance use challenges often face the consequences of misinformation and stigma; many are blamed for "poor choices" and irresponsibility.

However, this misguided discourse fails to recognize many of the facets of addiction, including the fact that many people misuse drugs and alcohol to self-mmedicate their depression They may not be aware that they are depressed, may not have the resources to treat their depression or may grapple with the stigma surrounding seeking help.

Weight Changes

While weight changes can be indicative of a shift in physical health, they can also be connected to mental health. Depression is known to affect appetite; some people with depression experience increased appetite and report eating more, while others experience a decrease in appetite and undereat Accordingly, large weight fluctuations may be a symptom of unmanaged depression.

The challenge of coping with depression is often compounded by stigma surrounding weight and body size; one person may be "fat shamed" for their weight gain while another is praised for their weight loss, despite both weight changes being a result of mental illness.

Irritability

Irritability, anger and impatience often accompany depression Perhaps you have experienced the surprise of these negative emotions that seemingly "come out of nowhere" - either when you experience them or are on the receiving end of an outburst from someone else.

Often, these outbursts are referred to as anger attacks , sudden intense spells of anger could be considered uncharacteristic and inappropriate in the moment. In turn, this can lead to feelings of shame and confusion surrounding an inability to control these intense emotions.

Extreme Fatigue

Often, the chemical imbalances that accompany depression can strip people of their energy. Individuals with depression often have low levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine Without appropriate levels of these chemicals, we can experience fatigue, sleep issues, low motivation, decreased interest in once-enjoyed activities and a general lack of joy.

For these reasons, many antidepressants work to increase these chemicals in the body. From the outside, these symptoms may be judged as a personal failing. Perhaps someone appears lazy, disorganized or unclean - but in reality, they are doing their very best to cope when they are struggling to simply get out of bed. In these moments, chores may go undone, hygiene may falter and basic tasks may get overlooked.

Physical Pain

Other possible physical manifestations of depression are vague aches and pains. The chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine don't simply affect mood - they also influence how we feel pain. Accordingly, the chemical imbalance linked to depression is also linked to many types of physical pain

Additionally, research shows that there are biological factors that increase inflammation and decrease immunity during depressive episodes. Those with depression may experience headaches, body aches and stomach aches, among other ailments exercise with all its' wonderful health benefits - a panacea you could be sure any drug company would love to have a product in their armamentarium that would do the same.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that depression is complex. It is a mental health condition that doesn't always look like the tired trope we see played out in the media and stigma-laden conversations.

Depression manifests in a wide variety of symptoms - both mental and physical - that most people may not be aware of. Of course, it is certainly possible to experience brain fog, misuse substances, battle fatigue and feel pain without having depression. But if you are noticing these behaviors and feelings in yourself or someone else, remain vigilant and consider seeking help. Prioritizing your health is not only wise; it is brave.

Ginger Robertson is a registered nurse and mental health blogger. She hopes her work can end the stigma surrounding mental illness and seeking mental health care.

If you happen to be on the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail a bit after 4 pm on a Thursday, you are likely to run in to cardiology Physician's Assistant, Lauren Bock PA , host of Be Well Lifestyle Medicine.:facebook.com/BeWellLifestyleMe dicine. and a gaggle of folks she is helping prevent heart disease, cancer, dementia, osteoporosis high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, insomnia and insulin resistance - reducing the risk of diabetes.

You might wonder how she could be helping so many health problems all at once. But she's not dispensing some new miracle drug. Not helping these folks find some magic plant growing in the hedge row.

A point a recent meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine made (Jan of 2023) This showed exercise can reduce risk of stroke and heart attack by 27 percent. The risk of cancer by 12 percent and overall risk of death by 31 percent.

A Panacea That's Hard to Sell

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

judging by the DHSS reporting that only a measly 28 percent of Americans are meeting physical activity guidelines.

To get people on board, you have to approach it subtly, advises Lauren. "Sometime the word 'exercise' will elicit negative feelings" whereas "the words 'movement 'or 'activity' elicit positive emotions"

It is "paramount that we find our preferred form of movement" notes Lauren - "perhaps it's gardening or walking. Perhaps swimming or hiking or yoga?" Regardless she says, the best for you "is the one you will continue to do tomorrow and for many years to come."

We are a culture that is all too ready to pop a pill to keep illness at bay rather than make the effort to exercise - I always beat on the drug reps that would come to the office with their frantically expensive medicines they always touted as a panacea.

What

she

Is Doing Is Leading

them on the Fredericksburg Food Coop's "Walk

The trouble is, unlike taking a pill or being a passive patient of some therapist who does stuff to you (massage, manipulation, poking you with needles, anointing with etc.) exercise requires you to get off your backside and put in some

Even wording it tactfully, people still think they have to be running a marathon or pumping iron in the gym. But, as I always tell my patients, just walking is good exercise - so joining Lauren for Walk With a Doc (everyone welcomestarts from Fredericksburg Food Coop at 320 Emancipation Highway at 4pm every Thursday) would help you achieve some of the, not inconsiderable, health benefits. And as many avid exercisers will tell you, it makes you feel good - as well as being part of the group with social connections encourages healthy life styles.

Quantity and Quality

"If I don't have to be running marathons, how much do I need to do?" is always the question.

The DHSS, recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g. walking or gentle biking) or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (running or singles tennis) a week - though any amount of exercise will have some benefit.

They were never promoting treadmills or running shoes - things that would help patients to access the one true panacea.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic

Walk With a Doc

Everyone welcome - starts from Fredericksburg Food Coop 320 Emancipation Highway 4pm every Thursday

Walking Group

With a Doc" program. Getting them to effort - which is a bit of an impediment

Every Saturday, 9am