Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety You Might Not Be Aware Of
The more you know about the symptoms of depression and anxiety, the better equipped you’ll be to identify them if and when they occur. But, not all of the symptoms are obvious ones, and you might be surprised by some of the less traditional signs that something is going on.
South Beach Detox is a dual-diagnosis center for the treatment of both substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. And, in addition to those services, we also educate others about mental health issues, what they can look like, and how to find helpful resources. While symptoms of depression can be wide encompassing and unique to each individual, there are a host of lesser-known symptoms that many people might not understand.
Below, we’ll go over some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety that tend to get overlooked, as well as how to identify them.
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Anxiety
We often equate anxiety with acute symptoms like panic attacks, racing hearts, and overwhelming worry. And that makes sense, since anxiety activates our body’s natural fight or flight response. But anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, and being aware of other symptoms could be key to getting help in a timely manner.
Some of the lesser-known symptoms of anxiety include:
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Daytime fatigue
- Lightheadedness and brain fog
- Cold hands and feet
- Indecisiveness
- Perfectionism
- Limb and muscle pain
Often, one or more of these anxiety symptoms occur at the same time. It’s a good idea then to seek out help if you notice that’s the case, even if you’re not experiencing any of the more obvious symptoms of the disorder.
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Depression
Just like with anxiety, depression too can present itself in ways that we might not be expecting. In particular, depression symptoms can look a lot like symptoms we might equate with other physical or mental issues, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s happening (and making it all the more essential to get a professional opinion).
Some of the lesser-known symptoms of depression include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Reduced ability to focus
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
- Lowered immune response
- Bodily inflammation
- Constipation
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Substance misuse
The brain and body are closely intertwined when it comes to symptomatic illness, which is why you see physical symptoms of depression in addition to mental ones. Likewise, depression is also linked with substance use, and if you’re struggling with the latter problem, depression could be a root cause.
Managing the Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
The symptoms listed above could be signs of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. They could also point to another ailment. For that reason, it’s strongly advised that you get help at the first sign that something is off, even if that means simply checking in with your primary care physician.
Our bodies have a lot of ways of telling us that something isn’t right. Learn to pay attention to the cues, and don’t dismiss these lesser-known symptoms just because they’re not always associated with your mental health. The longer you try to ignore things like brain fog, extreme fatigue, and digestive issues, the more they will impact your day-to-day quality of life, so it’s always better to address them and receive appropriate treatment.
If you believe that you may be struggling with depression or anxiety, we encourage you to seek out professional care. There are many treatment options available, including therapy, residential programs, and medications. A mental health professional can also help you develop coping skills so you can manage these symptoms in a more productive way. Contact our team today for a consultation, and learn more about the options that are available to you.
