If you think depression is just about being sad, think again.
As a mental health condition, it can come with a whole host of other symptoms that completely change how a person feels about themselves and other people, as well as how they behave. While they may not show it in public, their feelings are often exacerbated when they’re on their own, leading to some very sad habits. Here are some things people who struggle with this condition might do when they’re alone. (Note: If you’re having a mental health crisis, you can reach Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year toll-free at 116 123.)
1. They have imaginary conversations in their head.
Lying in bed, they replay social situations and conversations, or imagine future ones, often focusing on worst-case scenarios. Their brains tend to get stuck on loop, and they end up rehearsing conversations that might never happen.
2. They stop looking after themselves very well.
Showering, brushing teeth, or even changing clothes can feel like climbing a mountain when you have depression.. Sometimes, just the thought of these simple tasks is overwhelming, so they put them off day after day.
3. They stare into space for hours.
Time seems to slip away as they sit motionless, lost in their thoughts or feeling completely empty. Before they know it, half the day has passed, and they haven’t moved an inch.
4. They cry over seemingly small things.
A dropped spoon or a minor inconvenience can trigger a flood of tears. It’s not about the spoon — it’s just the last straw on an already heavy emotional load. The worst part is, it takes ages to regain their emotional equilibrium when these things happen.
5. They obsessively check their phone, hoping for a message.
Even though they might not have the energy to reply, they desperately hope for some connection. Each notification brings a tiny spark of hope, quickly followed by disappointment. They could reach out to people themselves, but they never really consider that to be a viable option.
6. They create elaborate scenarios of escape.
They daydream about running away, starting a new life, or somehow escaping their current situation. It’s a mental escape hatch that provides temporary relief from their reality. If they could just be in another country, doing something different, then their whole lives might change for the better… or so they think.
7. They binge-watch shows without really watching them.
The TV’s on for hours, but they’re not really following the plot. It’s just background noise to fill the silence and distract from their thoughts. They tend to go back to the same shows over and over again for the bit of comfort they provide.
8. They have internal pep talks that quickly turn negative.
They try to motivate themselves with positive self-talk, but it often devolves into self-criticism. “You can do this” quickly becomes “Who are you kidding? You can’t do anything right.” In the end, they just feel like giving up.
9. They rearrange their living space.
Sometimes, they’ll suddenly get the urge to reorganize their room or house. It’s a desperate attempt to feel some sense of control or change in their life. They believe that if they can spruce up their homes, they might become completely different people. Sadly, this never works.
10. They write, but never share.
Source: Unsplash Journals, stories, or even unsent letters pile up. Writing helps process emotions, but the thought of someone else reading these raw thoughts is terrifying. While this is a healthy habit to have, it’s healthier to have open conversations about how they’re feeling instead of bottling it up.
11. They research their symptoms endlessly.
Hours are spent Googling depression symptoms, treatments, and other people’s experiences. It’s part reassurance, part hope for a magic solution they haven’t found yet. They keep thinking they’ll stumble upon a “fix” that will change everything.
12. They practise fake smiles in the mirror.
Source: Unsplash Before going out or taking a call, they might rehearse looking “normal”. It’s like putting on a mask, trying to remember how to appear okay when they’re far from it. They don’t think they’re very convincing, but they know they have to give it a go.
13. They make plans, then cancel at the last minute.
In a moment of energy, they might agree to social plans. But as the day approaches, anxiety and exhaustion take over, leading to last-minute cancellations. Nine times out of 10, they probably won’t show up somewhere unless they really can’t get out of it.
14. They have one-sided conversations with pets.
For those with furry friends, their pet becomes a confidant and therapist. Long, tearful talks with a cat or dog aren’t uncommon. While animals can provide loads of comfort and unconditional love, it’s important to connect with other humans, too.
15. They create lists of reasons to keep going.
Source: Unsplash On particularly dark days, they might write down reasons to stay alive. It could be as simple as “Mom would be sad” or “The dog needs me”. This is sometimes all they have to get through very rough days.
16. They fluctuate between oversleeping and not sleeping at all.
Sleep patterns go haywire. Some days, getting out of bed seems impossible. Other nights, sleep won’t come, no matter how exhausted they feel. They get up in the morning feeling just as exhausted as when they got into bed the night before.
17. They rehearse excuses for their behaviour.
They come up with plausible explanations for their actions (or lack thereof) to avoid admitting they’re struggling. “I’ve been really busy” becomes a go-to phrase, even when they’ve barely left the house.
