Depression is often associated with persistent sadness, but the condition can manifest in other ways. Difficulty concentrating and changes in appetite, for example, can stem from depression regardless of whether you feel sad or upset.
Depression without sadness is sometimes referred to as atypical or nondysphoric depression. It may be characterized by other mood symptoms, such as emotional numbness.
You might feel distant or disconnected from the people around you, lose interest in activities you previously enjoyed, or experience a sense of hopelessness without feeling overtly sorrowful or crying.
Some people with depression feel more angry or frustrated than sad. This may be written off as having a “bad attitude” or treated as an intentional change in behavior rather than a sign of a deeper mental health concern.
If you’re experiencing these or other symptoms, it’s important to recognize that they could still be related to depression or another mental health condition.
Talking with a healthcare professional can help you identify when you started feeling this way, how it might be impacting other areas of your life, and what could be behind the change.
Finding the best treatment option for your situation may take some trial and error, but support is available. Remember that, no matter the cause, you aren’t alone.