I don't have depression, but I have symptoms

Recently, I've been catching myself thinking more and more often: “What's wrong with me?”. I don't have any serious problems, life seems to be fine, but something inside me is bothering me. Constant fatigue, unwillingness to communicate with people, problems with sleep, a feeling of apathy... And most importantly, I can't find an explanation for this state.

At first, I attributed it to simple fatigue. Well, we all feel sometimes exhausted, don't we? But days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. And then I realized that it was more than just a “bad mood.”

Symptoms that are hard to ignore

• Feeling emotionally devastated. Even joyful events do not bring pleasure. Everything seems to become gray, colorless.

• Fatigue that does not disappear. I sleep enough, but still feel exhausted.

• Irritability over trifles. Small problems become huge. And here it's not about the circumstances, but about the inner state.

• Loss of motivation. Favorite things are no longer interesting, work seems like a burden.

However, I cannot say that it is depression. At least, I did not receive such a diagnosis from a doctor. But there are symptoms. Is it possible? Yes, and I'll explain why.

Subdepression or how we ignore our needs

There is a term called subdepression. This is a condition where symptoms of depression appear, but do not reach a critical level for a doctor to make an official diagnosis. We live in an era of constant pursuit of achievements, ignoring our basic needs: rest, communication, self-understanding. We are used to thinking that “depression is about someone else”. As a result, many of us face chronic fatigue, emotional burnout, and feelings of loneliness, but do not perceive it as a problem.

                               What if you recognize yourself?

1. Listen to yourself. It seems trite, but try to answer the question honestly: How do I feel now? What am I missing?
2. Give yourself time to rest. Sometimes all you need is a reboot.
3. Consult a specialist. It's not scary and doesn't mean you are “weak”. Psychotherapy helps you understand what's going on in your head and find solutions.
4. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to have bad days. It is normal.

Bottom line.

“I don't have depression, but I have symptoms” is the reality of many people. It is important not to ignore your emotions and physical condition, because such “signals” may be your body's request for help. You are not alone in your feelings, and you can cope with it. The most important thing is to take action.

If you are familiar with this condition, don't be afraid to talk about it. Share your feelings, tell your friends or family, and remember: taking care of yourself is not selfishness, but a necessity. ❤️