Depression is the new trending word, however there it isn’t anything trendy or catchy about depression, depressive episodes or the overwhelming feeling of life not going as you planned. Because depression or depressive episodes share similar symptoms, many people confuse their potential diagnosis with and are often misdiagnosed with depression when it may be totally something else.
Fatigue, change in appetite, lost of interest in daily activities or favorite hobbies, insomnia, a constant struggle with focusing, uncontrolled weight loss or gain, or low energy are common symptoms that not only correlate with depression, but with other health concerns.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a health issue that results when there is too much glucose or sugar in the blood. The body produces insulin which aids with the process of glucose. With diabetes (specifically type 2) the body is either resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue may seem like depression, but they are also signs of diabetes. Other symptoms may suggest it’s diabetes like thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes has been linked to depression.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Insomnia, irritability, fluctuation in emotions, and anger are symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder share with depression. However, having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have depression. You may develop PTSD after a traumatic event or series of traumatic events. It is not uncommon for people with PTSD to be diagnosed with depression.
Fibromyalgia
According to Web MD, “Many people who have fibromyalgia a condition that causes chronic muscle pain and fatigue, also have depression. Chemical imbalances in your brain cause mood changes also may be linked to fibromyalgia. The constant pain and ongoing fatigue may also lead to depression.”
Hypothyroidism
Web MD notes that, “Hypothyroidism often misdiagnosed as depression. If your thyroid under-active, it may affect your emotions. You may have symptoms of depression, like fatigue, insomnia and brain fog. Many people with hypothyroidism are prescribed antidepressants mood stabilizers, and sedatives, when it’s their thyroid that needs to be treated instead.”
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is another health issue with symptoms that are often confused with depression. Symptoms such as low mood, memory loss, and lethargy often make people believe they have depression. However, hypercalcemia is when there are high levels of calcium in the blood.