6 Behavior Changes During Depression
Agitation
Agitated depression refers to a situation where depression and restlessness co-exist. In this situation the person finds it very difficult to simply sit or lie still. Despite their feelings of depression they are on the go, and often irritable, angry, frustrated and impulsive. This is associated with high risks of suicide, other forms of self-harm or violence towards those who may be perceived as the cause.
Hibernation
Even outgoing people may find themselves refusing invitations or making up excuses to avoid social contact. For many millions of people this is most apparent during the winter months when long nights, short days and lack of exposure to natural daylight leave them feeling fatigued, depressed, anxious and irritable. Known as winter onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD) span some experts consider SAD to be an evolutionary hangover.
Lethargy
Most people with depression find their motivation drops through the floor. They slow down, speak more slowly, move about as if carrying a weight on their shoulders and dragging weights around their ankles. Even periods of mild depression show in facial expressions and gestures, both of which reduce in number. It becomes easier simply not to do anything. This can include getting out of bed, getting washed, eating and even drinking.
Procrastination
Pessimism and procrastination are firm buddies during depression. You may know there are things you could do to elevate your mood but your pessimism is saying it isn’t worth it. This fuels procrastination. If you’re a person already a little prone to putting things off depression will increase this further. It provides a sense of relief that you don’t need to make the effort. The down side is that it fuels depression and can add to guilt.
Diet
Some people go off food when their mood is low and others crave comfort foods. It’s a little unusual during depression to find that diet isn’t affected in some way, even if it’s simply the choice of foods that are preferred.
Sleep
During depression sleep can become fragmented. Lack of sleep is known to have a negative effect on mood. Patterns of sleep do however vary and some people with depression find themselves experiencing problems getting to sleep or waking too early in the morning. It is estimated that 80 percent of people with depression experience sleep problems.
Jerry Kennard, Ph.D., is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Jerry’s work background is in mental health and, most recently, higher education. He is the author of various self-help books and is co-founder of positivityguides.net.