Shopping
If you find yourself compulsive buying whether it is in stores or online, it may be a distraction or a self-esteem booster. But it may be short-lived: meaning if it is due to depression, it won’t address the real issues of depression.
Drinking Heavily
One-third of people who suffer from depression abuse alcohol. If drinking alcohol is used to cope with anxiety and depression, you may be one. Using alcohol to cope with depression and anxiety is a depressant and will only worsen depression episodes.
Forgetfulness
Studies of prolonged depression and stress raises the body’s cortisol levels leading to shrinking and weakening on the part of the brain that is associated with memory and learning. Depression linked with memory loss may get worse with older people. But the good news is that treating depression may improve depression-related memory problems.
Excessive Internet Use
If virtual social interactions are preferred to real-life ones or you find yourself online more than usual, it may be a sign of depression. Studies link high levels of depression may be due to excessive Internet use. Overusing the Internet may lead to spending time on such sites like pornography, online communities, or game sites.
Binge Eating and Obesity
A 2010 study from University of Alabama in young adults linking depressed gain weight around the waist may be linked to depression and a risk of heart disease. Other studies have linked depression to binge eating, especially in middle-aged people.
Shoplifting
One-third of shoplifters who suffer from depression may feel some powerless or insignificant behavior and shoplifting may give them feelings of power and importance. It may give a rush to counter the depression “numbness.” With shoplifters who suffer from depression, the feelings associated with shoplifted are more important than the items they are stealing.
Back Pain
Suffering from chronic back pain: studies may link depression as a risk factor for lower back pain. One study shows that 42% of people may have experienced lower chronic back pain before depression episodes may have started. If depression is ignored or left undiagnosed, chronic back pain may not be associated to depression.
Risky Sexual Behavior
Lost libido? Increased interest in sex? Depression may be a common factor. Increased promiscuity, infidelity, sexual obsession, and high-risk behavior like unsafe sex may be signs of depression. If left untreated, it may lead to serious negative effects in a person’s life and health.
Exaggerated Emotions
Showing a lack of emotions? Depression may be a cause. Also showing too many emotions may be a factor. A sudden change in irritable and explosive emotions may be a sign of depression that leads to exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worry, or fear. A sudden change in behavior is a key symptom. If you usually remain calm, but have sudden feelings of hyper-emotional temper, depression may be a reason.
Problem Gambling
Recreational gambling leaves an excitement of revved of feelings. But if you tend to gamble more than just for recreational fun, it may be a sign of depression. For problem gamblers, they may also be likely to abuse alcohol as well. Many gamblers who suffer from anxiety and depression have started with gambling. But the quick rush that gambling causes won’t provide a big payoff—relief from depression.
Smoking
Those who suffer from depression, smoking doubles the risk of quitting. Heavy smoking—more than a pack a day—or smoking a cigarette within 5 minutes of waking—are common habits of those who smoke due to depression, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). Although smokers who suffer from depression are less likely to quit, it is still possible for them to do so. There are quitting programs that use the same programs to treat depression like cognitive behavior therapy and anti-depressants that may help.
Not Taking Care of Yourself
Forgetting to buckle the seatbelt when you get into a car? A sudden lack of proper hygiene? Depression or a low self-esteem may be a factor. Not fastening the seatbelt, brushing teeth, skipping physical exams or tending to chronic conditions of heart disease or diabetes may be a sign of depression, but if the depression is treated, you will start taking care of yourself once again.
Conclusion
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider to treat these feelings of depression and low self-esteem.
Reference
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