Beyond Sadness_ Recognizing the Lesser-Known Symptoms of Depression by Marcie Phalen.pdf

One of the most overlooked signs is constant fatigue. This is not the same as feeling tired after a long day. Fatigue linked to depression feels heavy and does not go away with rest. A person may wake up still exhausted or find that even small tasks drain their energy. This type of tiredness can make daily life feel impossible.

1. Beyond Sadness: Recognizing the
Lesser-Known Symptoms of
Depression by Marcie Phalen

Marcie Phalen explains that when people think about depression, the first image that often
comes to mind is sadness. While sadness is real and painful, it is not the only sign of
depression. In fact, many people living with depression do not feel sadness at all, or they think
it only sometimes. Instead, they experience other symptoms that are easy to miss or

2. misunderstand. Recognizing these lesser-known symptoms of depression is important because
it can help people seek support earlier.

One of the most overlooked signs is constant fatigue. This is not the same as feeling tired after
a long day. Fatigue linked to depression feels heavy and does not go away with rest. A person
may wake up still exhausted or find that even small tasks drain their energy. This type of
tiredness can make daily life feel impossible.
Another common but hidden symptom is irritability. People with depression may snap at others
or feel easily frustrated. Instead of crying or looking sad, they might appear angry or impatient.
This can confuse family and friends, who may not realize the person is struggling with
depression. Irritability is often dismissed as a bad mood, but it is a real signal of something more
profound.

Changes in thinking can also appear. Depression can affect focus and memory, making it hard
to follow conversations, finish work, or remember details. This mental fog can create stress and
make people feel less capable, which may worsen the depression. Many mistake this for simple
forgetfulness, but it is actually one of the lesser-known symptoms of depression.
Physical symptoms are another way depression hides. Some people notice headaches,
stomach problems, or body aches with no apparent cause. Doctors may not always connect
these issues to mental health, but the body and mind are linked. When the mind is hurting, the
body often shows it.
A loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities is a powerful but quiet symptom. A person may stop
playing music, reading, or spending time with friends. This is not because they no longer care
but because depression has taken away their sense of pleasure and motivation.

Depression is more than sadness. It is a complex condition with many facets, and these
lesser-known symptoms are just as important. By learning to see fatigue, irritability, mental fog,
physical pain, and loss of interest as warning signs, we can better support ourselves and those
we love. Recognizing depression in all its forms is the first step toward healing and hope.