New Delhi: Have you stopped enjoying things that once made you happy? Do you feel exhausted all the time? Are you feeling overwhelmed?A difficult week, relationship troubles, workplace pressures or personal setbacks can leave people feeling exhausted and withdrawn. But when those feelings refuse to fade, begin affecting daily life and make even routine tasks feel overwhelming, they may point to something more serious than a passing phase, say experts.Depression does not always show up as sadness; it can appear as irritability, exhaustion, social withdrawal or difficulty coping with everyday responsibilities. TOI speaks to experts to explore five warning signs experts say should not be overlooked.Losing interest in things you once enjoyedWhen hobbies, music, social gatherings or time with loved ones stop bringing pleasure, it may be a sign of depression. Known as anhedonia, this loss of interest or enjoyment is a key symptom, say experts.Manoj Khanal, senior director and HOD, Neurology, Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, says depression can affect how a person thinks, feels, sleeps, works and manages everyday activities.“One reason depression often goes unnoticed is that it does not look the same in everyone. Some people may appear cheerful in public while struggling privately,” he says.Withdrawing from family and friends or avoiding responsibilities can also signal distress.Persistent fatigue and changes in sleep or appetiteFeeling exhausted despite adequate rest, sleeping excessively, struggling with insomnia or experiencing changes in appetite and weight may indicate emotional distress. Concentration and energy levels may also decline.Abhinit Kumar, senior consultant, Centre of Psychiatry, ShardaCare-HealthCity, says unexplained fatigue, headaches and bodily discomfort may accompany psychological distress.“Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, or social behaviour are also signs not to overlook, especially when they persist or start affecting daily functioning,” he says.Irritability, anger or unusual emotional shiftsDepression does not always manifest as sadness. Some people become unusually impatient, angry or frustrated over minor issues, while others experience persistent anxiety or fearfulness.Mantosh Kumar, chief clinical services at Adayu, Fortis Healthcare, Gurugram, suggests looking at changes across four areas: mood, thoughts, behaviour and physiological routines.“Your mood may become increasingly irritable, angry, very low, sad, or anxious,” he says.Persistent negative thoughts, guilt or worthlessnessPeople experiencing depression may become excessively self-critical, feel guilty about minor mistakes or believe they are a burden to others. Difficulty concentrating and persistent negative thinking can affect relationships and everyday decisions.Rajesh Sagar, professor at AIIMS, says depression typically involves a cluster of symptoms, including persistent low mood and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks.“The important thing is that we need to see the dysfunction,” he says, explaining that assessment must consider whether symptoms interfere with daily activities, such as meeting people, attending work or managing responsibilities.Suicidal thoughts or signs of severe distressThoughts of death, suicide or self-harm must never be dismissed. Expressions of hopelessness or wanting to give up require urgent attention. Hearing voices or experiencing intense suspiciousness also warrants prompt psychiatric assessment.If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, experts advise that immediate professional help be sought.When should you seek help?Not every emotional change indicates mental illness. However, symptoms that persist for two weeks or longer, worsen over time or interfere with work, studies, relationships or self-care warrant professional assessment.Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both. Family members can help by listening without judgement, offering practical support and encouraging professional care.Sagar says the belief that mental illness cannot be treated is a myth. Mental health, experts stress, deserves the same attention as physical health, without stigma or hesitation.
