Ongoing news throughout the media in my nation including the sad demise of a celebrity got me to research this.
Someone has posted in an article, "Depression is everything when it feels too hard" or rather in medical terms "Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act".
You must be thinking why the sudden interest in this personally?
Well, I can recount a few bad events in my life
Relocation to a New School
Not able to join the degree I aspired
An Unsuccessful relationship
Quitting my job
A Family Feud
Even though, all these seem relatable to every person out there who has not fallen into any kind of depression. This certainly had severe effects on me for a timespan even if it doesn't sound so dreadful.
Back to the research, the answer to my googling is "Yes, you can have a hidden depression". I found out the above-mentioned events are all called "Triggers" and may fall under the category of Typical or Situational depression. Why do we not know we are having depression? Well here are the common reasons according to a psychologist and a few moments from my life where I can relate to: Depression varies from person to person and the symptoms develop gradually. Especially when you know the exact reason for you feeling down, you only think it as a reaction to your current situation. Our mood swings are the worst during these times. For instance, while I was in a better job, with a better salary, well-acknowledged, I used to feel low thinking about how I missed my previous job which was actually vice versa of all the above. Most of the symptoms might not be felt as depression; a depressed person does not necessarily be sad all times instead he/she may feel blank or empty or non-worthy or losing interest in the activities which they loved previously. Symptoms even include Overeating or Loss of appetite, Oversleeping or Insomnia, Digestive issues, trouble concentrating, trying to stay away from people you love, anger, irritability, and the list go on. And we blame stress most of the time. I once had a stomach illness and I remember the doctor confidently telling my folks that I may have a depression issue. Well, that was the time I was trying hard to keep my feelings hidden. I am not sure whether the doctor included any antidepressants in my medication that day. My folks were a bit worried, as the doctor even pointed out a few examples, which was exactly the same as my first 3 events. Of course, I didn't want them to know about how I felt. To my shock that too is a symptom, they dislike letting the world aware of the fact that they are under depression.
Now that time has passed and still unsure of the fact I was on depression or not, One thing to tell you all is we never know who or when one would get into this. I have been supported, uplifted, and guided by my Hi5 Hoggers (My BFF's) well enough. Most of the depression cases are Mild, which goes along life's stream but the severe ones have to be treated, either by getting support from your friends or family or by going to counselors or even getting medications.
Just Remember " You only live once! You have all rights to Stay Happy"
❤️❤️❤️