You Can’t Judge Depression by its cover

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting millions of individuals across the globe every year. With the growing recognition of World Mental Health Day, there has been an increasing discussion around mental health and issues like depression. Nevertheless, despite the progress, ignorance and misperceptions about depression still persist, leading to a lack of adequate support and understanding for those who suffer from it.

One of the most widespread myths surrounding depression is that it is easy to recognize – that a person with depression will “look” depressed. However, that’s nothing but a misconception, just like the old adage about ‘not judging a book by its cover.’ Although for some, depression may show up as a general feeling of unhappiness and sadness, for the majority, it looks nothing like that.

Depression is beyond just feeling sad or ‘blue.’ It can show up in a variety of ways, from frequent mood swings and sudden outbursts to unexplainable physical pain, a lack of energy or motivation, to disinterested in activities that they once took pleasure in. For some, depression can be a persistent feeling of fatigue, while for others, it can surface as an unrelenting negative thought spiral that is almost impossible to escape.

Depression doesn’t only affect adults as many believe, it affects children too. Though children may seem agile and filled with a surge of energy and life, they may still suffer from depression, disguised as consistent moodiness or a sudden lack of interest in activities they enjoyed.