Suffering from depression seems like a constant and unending struggle. Most of the time, this dangerous mental health condition has embarrassing or unwanted symptoms that you have to live with.
Apart from feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, emptiness, and worthlessness, you may start smelling awful because you haven’t taken a shower for a couple of days, or you don’t have the strength to get out of bed in the morning.
And this makes people think that you are lazy.
Most of the people around you might not notice these outward signs of depression because they are unaware of issues related to mental health problems.
As a result, they might end up labeling you unkindly.
Having worked at a psychiatrist’s office, I’ve heard numerous patients opening up about their embarrassing behaviors, symptoms, and traits of depression. If you are struggling with depression, it’s highly likely that you’ve experienced these issues.
You are not alone.
Knowing The Difference Between Feeling Sad and Having Depression
Most Embarrassing Symptoms
1 Gaining weight
For a number of people, weight gain is one of the most embarrassing symptoms of depression. According to the American Journal of Public Health, increased body mass index has been linked to suicidal thoughts among women. According to CDC, 43 percent of people with depression suffer from obesity. Also, depressed adults are at a higher risk of obesity. What’s the link?
Depressed individuals view eating as a way to fill the emptiness they feel inside. And the extra weight makes them feel awful about themselves. Some don’t want their family members and friends to see them because they are worried about being judged. Antidepressants should not be used to treat clinical depression as this might backfire and lead to serious side effects such as weight gain. It’s important for individuals to look for natural ways to promote health and wellbeing while maintain a healthy weight.
2 Not showering
If you are depressed, you might have a hard time taking a shower or bathing every day. You might prefer to stay indoors in your pajamas, especially if you are a remote worker. You’ll also find yourself skipping shaving or washing your hair. And this will make you look untidy.
3 Sexual dysfunction
One of the most common effects of depression among men and women is sexual dysfunction. Prescribing antidepressants to such patients can ruin their sex life. You’ll have low or no sex drive. And it will take longer than usual to achieve an orgasm, if you can climax at all. Depression has been linked to erectile dysfunction, which can be a source of embarrassment among men. Bedroom problems can make individuals feel inadequate.
4 Brain fog
Do you find yourself forgetting what you promised your loved ones a few minutes or hours ago? Do you have trouble engaging and following conversations on EssayWritingLab? Do you find yourself confused most of the time? Brain fog is one of the biggest complaints among people suffering from depression. For some people, brain fog is quite embarrassing because they fear they might say the wrong things.
5 Snapping at your kids
Irritability and anger are subtle symptoms of depression. Research studies have shown that depressed people experience moments of anger. Most patients lose their temper and have a tendency of slamming the door, yelling and throwing things. They snap at their kids or their loved ones publicly and then feel ashamed.
6 Lack of dental hygiene
Depressed individuals can go for a long time without brushing their teeth. And this can be embarrassing. Since their gums pay the price, most of them smile less or, worse, don’t smile at all. When it gets so bad, depressed individuals give up on self-care entirely. Lack of dental hygiene not only allows bacteria to take over but also leads to the loss of teeth, which can be quite expensive to fix.
7 Inability to work full-time
The inability to stay focused and achieve the expected results can be one of the most embarrassing symptoms of depression.
This might start by showing up late to work or failing to attend key meetings. Depression can harm your ability to be creative and productive in the workplace. When they get promoted, individuals suffering from depression will have a hard time concentrating on the most important tasks, and they’ll miss their deadlines most of the time. Everything in the workplace can be exhausting. And this can lead to demotions and embarrassment in the workplace.
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Coping with depression
Coping with depression and its symptoms can be overwhelming. It is especially difficult if you are struggling with feelings of shame, embarrassment, or guilt. No matter the cause, there are certain things that you can do to reduce embarrassment.
Know that people understand
Depression is a common mental condition that is affecting millions of people across the world. The high rate of depression means that people are going through similar experiences. We all experience depression differently. However, people will recognize how you are feeling and empathize with you. You might feel isolated when you are depressed. But it’s important to keep in mind that you are not alone.
Analyze your beliefs about depression
Nowadays, there’s a great deal of stigma surrounding anxiety, depression, and other mental issues. One of the best ways to eliminate feelings of embarrassment about your condition is by reconsidering your beliefs about mental health issues. Learning more about mental health conditions will open your eyes and help you discover some of the best treatments for this disorder.
Talk to someone
It’s quite difficult to open your heart and share with someone how you are feeling. It’s a sensitive issue that most people prefer keeping private. However, you don’t have to keep it a secret. It’s important for you to have a social support system that will protect you against various symptoms of depression. If you want to talk to someone, you should consider reaching out to a trained counselor who will offer you advice and accelerate your recovery process.
Conclusion
To break the shame and stigma that comes with this health condition known as depression, we need to open up about these embarrassing symptoms.
Feeling guilty and embarrassed about your mental state is not uncommon. While it will take time, remind yourself that your thoughts and emotions are valid. Also, seek professional treatment whenever you can.
Author Bio:
Sherri Carrier is a professional writer at dissertation writing service and a member of several writing clubs in New York. She has been writing her own poems since she was a child. The young author gets inspiration from her favorite writers and people whom she loves.