Identifying The Early Signs And Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is a complex human experience that affects us in multiple ways, influencing our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and overall functioning. While the more severe symptoms of depression, such as pervasive sadness, loss of interest in activities, and suicidal ideation, are widely recognized, its early signs and symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. These signs taken in isolation may not be indicative of depression but natural fluctuations in our emotional state and our sense of self. However, their simultaneous, ongoing, or increased presence can be an early warning we need to listen to.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Depression

One of the earliest indicators are subtle but noticeable shifts in mood, which may not yet reach the level of pervasive sadness but is characterized by a general feeling of disconnection, indifference, or emotional numbness. People may feel a diminished sense of joy or satisfaction in activities they once enjoyed, even if they continue to participate in them. This initial lack of enthusiasm may be accompanied by increasing annoyance, irritability, or frustration, in ways that may feel uncharacteristic to ourselves.

Another early sign is the gradual onset of uncharacteristic low energy levels, sometimes finding it difficult to muster the energy to engage in daily tasks or activities with others. Even though someone may not yet be experiencing a profound physical exhaustion, this fatigue can result in procrastination, difficulty focusing, or a sense of being overwhelmed by relatively simple tasks.

Self-criticism, pessimism, or an emergent sense of hopelessness about the future might start becoming present in our mind, even if at first it feels simple to push them aside. We may, for example, have fleeting thoughts about past mistakes or failures, experience a minor sense of isolation or rejection, or question the direction and purpose our life is taking. Their fleeting nature can make these experiences difficult to identify and navigate without deeper self-reflection or external observation.

The Role of Self-Esteem in Depression

While slight fluctuations in our sense of self, self-esteem, and self-worth are natural, their persistence might play a role in the development of depression. Our sense of self is shaped by early interactions with caregivers, particularly through experiences of empathic attunement, validation, and mirroring. If our environment failed in providing this consistent experience, we might be left more vulnerable to disruptions in sustaining a cohesive self-concept, in turn making us more susceptible to depression.

In the early stages of depression, a person may begin to feel inadequate, worthless, or as though they are not living up to their own or others’ expectations. This internalized sense of failure might be an ongoing and unconscious aspect of our experience, resurfacing in the context of specific conditions associated to our present challenges, circumstances, or relationships.

Early signs of depression may manifest when a person begins to feel disconnected from themselves and others. This disconnection can trigger feelings of emptiness and gloom, which are often precursors to more severe depressive symptoms.

Interpersonal Relationships and Depression

In the early stages of depression, individuals may notice an increased sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism from others. They may begin to withdraw from social interactions, either due to feelings of inadequacy or a fear of being a burden to others. This withdrawal is often subtle at first, manifesting as reduced interest in social activities or difficulty maintaining close relationships. However, as depression progresses, it can lead to more significant interpersonal difficulties, such as conflicts with loved ones or feelings of isolation.

A lack of emotional reciprocity in relationships can also be an early sign of depression. People may struggle to express their emotions or may feel that others do not understand or appreciate their feelings. This emotional disconnection can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and contribute to the downward spiral of depressive symptoms. This emotional withdrawal may reflect relational wounds and unmet attachment needs from earlier in our life. Difficulties in the present can at times lead us to unconsciously re-enact relational patterns from the past, which reemerge in the form of depressive symptoms during times of stress or relational strain.

How can depression therapy in Chicago help?

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of depression is crucial for timely intervention and treatment. From subtle mood shifts and diminished motivation, to changes in self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, depression often begins long before the more overt symptoms become apparent. Early signs of depression, such as feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem, or withdrawal from relationships, are often connected to underlying aspects of our past and need to be understood in that context; our early relational experiences play a significant role in shaping an individual’s vulnerability to depression.

Psychodynamic therapy for depression can be helpful as it puts those signs and symptoms in the context of the person’s history and experience. Individuals are encouraged to explore these deep-rooted issues, which are often unconscious, and understand how they influence their current emotional state. By bringing these hidden conflicts to light, therapy helps individuals make sense of their depression and improve their symptoms by addressing their root causes. If you have a question or would be interested in starting therapy for depression with one of our Chicago therapists, please contact us today.

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Photo credit: Danie Franco