10 hidden warning signs of depression revealed after US senator John Fetterman returns to congress

By Liam On Apr 21, 2023

You may recognize the hallmark sign of depression: feeling persistently sad.

But did you know it can cause constipation? Or even back pain?

These are just two of the little-known warning signs of the mental disorder, which affects 280 million people worldwide.

MailOnline’s rundown of some of the other symptoms of depression comes after Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman returned to Congress yesterday after being away for nearly two months due to clinical depression.

The Democrat caused a sensation with his “frightening” and “disturbing” first speech.

The videos of Fetterman speaking at the meetings were posted to Twitter by Greg Price Wednesday afternoon and immediately exploded, gaining millions of views within hours

Changes in appetite

An unintentional change in appetite can be caused by depression.

Whether someone is eating less and losing weight or overeating and gaining weight, a constant low mood could be to blame, according to Mind.

The NHS also lists a change in appetite as a symptom of depression, but the reason for this is unclear.

The Priory Group, best known for treating celebrities who are addicted, says it can happen when depressed people lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as cooking or eating.

“People tend to have low energy when they are depressed – this can mean that cooking or eating can be too much for them,” it adds.

“Depression can also make people feel sad, worthless, or hopeless. With so much on their mind, they may forget to eat.’

Low sex drive

Depression can also affect your sex life.

According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have all been found to cause lower libido.

Imbalances in the brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, are associated with depression and are believed to play a role in this change in sex drive, experts say.

Low libido can also be the side effect of some antidepressants, the NHS says.

According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have all been found to cause lower libido

Disturbed sleep

It’s a vicious circle.

Poor sleep can leave you vulnerable to the darkest depths of depression, scientists say.

But being depressed – and battling the challenges of everyday life – can also ruin your attempts to close your eyes.

But not only does it disrupt your sleep and cause insomnia, it can also make you want to sleep all the time.

Move slowly

In addition to all of the above, physical symptoms of depression include moving more slowly than usual.

THE SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MAY BE DEPRESSED AND WHAT TO DO

Signs of depression in children can include:

Prolonged grief
Irritability
Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
Fatigue and exhaustion
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Bad concentration
Indecisiveness
Lack of trust
Eating too much or too little
Inability to relax
Feeling guilty or worthless
Numb to emotions
Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
Self-harm

Some also have physical complaints, such as headaches or stomach aches.

Older children may abuse alcohol or drugs.

Depression in children can occur as a result of family problems, bullying, other psychological problems, or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

It can be caused by one event, such as a death or an accumulation of things.

If you suspect your child is depressed, try talking to them about how they are feeling.

Let them know you are concerned and that you are there if they need you.

If they don’t want to talk to you, encourage them to reach out to another family member, teacher, or family friend.

If this does not help, contact your GP, who may refer your child to specialist mental health care.

Source: health service

So much so that it can even make showering, brushing your teeth, and cooking difficult.

The NHS also says it can cause patients to speak more slowly.

It is medically known as psychomotor retardation. Scientists aren’t sure how or why it happens, but they think it has to do with low levels of the “feel-good” chemical dopamine.

Neglecting hobbies and interests

A lack of interest in things that once turn you on is not always a cause for alarm.

But it is often associated with depression.

The NHS says the disease can leave people with no motivation, no interest in things and a lack of enjoyment in life.

Avoid contact with friends

Just like losing interest in hobbies you once loved, depression can also make you want to isolate yourself from your friends.

Avoiding social events you normally enjoy and feeling isolated or unable to interact with other people is associated with depression, says Mind.

Other social symptoms include problems at home, work, or family life.

Feeling irritable and intolerant of others can also be a sign of depression, according to the NHS.

Difficulty making decisions

If you struggle with depression, you may find it difficult to make decisions.

Finding it harder to verbalize your thoughts, think clearly, or make simple decisions is a warning sign of depression, according to Mind.

It can also make it harder to focus on tasks.

‘Depression usually results from an interruption or reduction of the brain’s chemical messengers’ NeuroScienceNews say.

“These interruptions can also impair your cognitive abilities.”

Constipation

Depression, stress, and anxiety can all wreak havoc on your bowel movements, too.

Any worry and upset can upset the delicate balance of digestion, according to the NHS.

It adds that in some people digestion can slow down and cause constipation, bloating and pain, but others find that speeding it up causes diarrhea.

Not eating well, which can be a symptom of depression, can also harm your digestive system.

For some people with depression, digestion can slow down and cause constipation, bloating and pain, but others find it speeds up and causes diarrhea

Restlessness

Depression can also cause some people’s movements and thoughts to speed up instead of slowing down.

Psychomotor agitation, which is common in psychotic episodes, can mean people can’t sit still or relax and are constantly fidgeting, the NHS says.

This restlessness can also cause people to feel agitated, according to Mind.

People with this symptom of depression are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, the NHS warns.

Aches and pains

Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical problem can be a sign of depression, according to Mind.

You may feel pain in your stomach, pain in your legs and arms, and you may feel tired if you have depression.

This could be because your body is in a constant state of stress, which, according to the NHS, can cause your muscles to tense up.

Another theory is that the pain may be caused by the dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is thought to cause many symptoms of depression.