Ever come across someone whose smile feels a bit off, like it’s missing its sparkle? Or noticed laughter that sounds more like a sigh? It’s those little signs that often hint at bigger battles going on underneath. 

But it’s not just about noticing—it’s about understanding and lending a hand. Let’s dive into eight behaviors that speak volumes about inner turmoil. 

Together, we’ll uncover ways to spot these signs and show a little extra kindness to those who could really use it.

1) They often isolate themselves from others

We all need our alone time, but for those who are feeling really down, it can become a bit of a habit. They might start to prefer flying solo to the point where they’re shutting out the world around them.  

Think about it: if your buddy used to be the life of the party but now seems to disappear into their own bubble most of the time, it could be a sign that they’re really struggling. 

According to WebMD, pulling back from social activities is a common thing when someone’s dealing with depression.

They might lose interest in things they used to love and start avoiding hanging out with friends, family, or going to events.

Keep in mind that this isn’t them pushing you away on purpose. It’s more like a shield they’re putting up to protect themselves from a world that feels overwhelming right now.

2) They may appear excessively cheerful

It might come as a surprise, but folks who are really struggling deep down often put on a show of being super cheerful. They’ll crank up the laughter, plaster on a big smile, and keep up this upbeat vibe all the time.

You know, there’s actually a term for this—smiling depression. It’s when someone puts on this front of being all happy-go-lucky on the outside, but inside, they’re really struggling. 

Sounds weird, right? Well, it’s actually a defense mechanism. They’re basically trying to hide how they’re really feeling. That’s why it’s important not to take things at face value.  

3) They struggle with sleep

Sleep troubles often go hand in hand with deep unhappiness, research shows.

When someone’s struggling, they might find themselves either sleeping too much or battling with insomnia, tossing and turning throughout the night.

It’s not just about feeling tired the next day, though. When we’re sleep-starved, our minds can go into overdrive, keeping us awake as we mull over past events or fret about what’s to come.

And here’s the kicker: This lack of quality sleep can set off a nasty cycle. The less shut-eye we get, the worse we feel emotionally. And the worse we feel emotionally, the harder it is to get a good night’s rest. 

4) They’re often hard on themselves

It’s not uncommon for distressed individuals to be their own harshest critics. They may often blame themselves for things that aren’t their fault, or magnify their shortcomings while minimizing their accomplishments.

In fact, cognitive models propose a connection between a vulnerability to major depressive disorder (MDD) and an inclination to excessively blame oneself for failures in various areas.

This habit of self-blame leads to intensified feelings of low self-worth, hopelessness, and a depressed mood.

As friends or family, it’s crucial to remind them of their worth. Letting them know about their strengths and accomplishments can help balance out all that self-criticism.

5) They lose interest in things they once loved

Imagine your favorite hobby or activity, the one thing that lights up your day and makes you lose track of time. Now, picture suddenly losing interest in it, for no apparent reason.

This is a reality for many people who are suffering. They might find themselves no longer drawn to things they once loved, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or even socializing. 

According to psychology, this loss of interest isn’t because they’re lazy or don’t have time. It’s a symptom of their depression, indicating that the joy they once felt in these activities has somehow dimmed.

If you notice someone experiencing this change, it could be an opportunity to reach out and offer support. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone cares can make a world of difference.

6) They may struggle with decision making

Have you ever noticed someone who used to be decisive start to struggle with even the simplest decisions? It could be as mundane as choosing what to have for dinner or what to wear.

In fact, researchers found that depressed individuals often struggle with decision-making. This difficulty is prevalent enough that it’s listed as a criterion for the disorder.

That’s not all, the decisions made by those experiencing depression may not always be the most beneficial.

Recognizing this behavior can help us be more patient and supportive when they seem paralyzed by decision-making. It’s not about rushing them, but rather offering reassurance that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.

7) They can become overly critical of others

When someone is deeply unhappy, they might find themselves nitpicking faults in others more frequently than usual.

Whether it’s griping about a colleague’s work ethic or scrutinizing a friend’s lifestyle choices, these criticisms may seem mean-spirited or judgmental at first glance.

However, it’s often a reflection of their internal struggle. Unhappiness can skew our perceptions, causing us to fixate on the negatives in our surroundings.

But here’s the stark reality: being overly critical of others doesn’t resolve anything; it merely adds to the negativity.  

8) They may feel life lacks purpose

One of the most profound indicators of deep unhappiness is the sense that life lacks purpose or meaning, as per psychology.

Individuals experiencing this may feel adrift, as if they’re merely going through the motions without finding true fulfillment or satisfaction.

If someone you know expresses such sentiments, it’s vital to take them seriously.

Avoid dismissing their feelings as merely a passing phase. Instead, encourage them to seek professional assistance if necessary, and reassure them that it’s normal to feel lost at times.

Spot the signs, spread the light

At the end of the day, it’s essential to remember that the journey toward understanding and assisting others is personal and unique.

Never underestimate the value of moments spent in kindness and empathy—they are truly invaluable.

Above all, it’s crucial to acknowledge that everyone’s experiences are distinct. Avoid letting stereotypes or preconceptions dictate how you perceive others or their challenges.

Here’s to cultivating deeper understanding, offering steadfast support, and contributing to a kinder world for those navigating unhappiness.