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Unhealthy obsession with your favorite celebrity is an undiagnosed symptom of depression
Depression can occur in different forms. A psychologist sheds light on a common sign that doesn’t get officially diagnosed as a concerning mental condition.
Mood swings and emotional lows can be short-lived or affect you for a lifetime. Although the root cause is determined with the help of a professional, sometimes your body sends warnings about an underlying condition, such as salt and candy cravings caused by anxiety and chronic pain.
Depression symptom that misses diagnosis
Depression can look different in affected individuals. Loss of energy, change in appetite, and difficulty focusing are some of the most commonly diagnosed symptoms.
Certified psychologist Dr. Scott Eilers, says there’s another way the mental health condition manifests in some people that’s not found in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) – a reference used by mental health care professionals to diagnose psychological disorders.
“Constantly looking for a way out of your own life” is a specific symptom of depression that isn’t officially diagnosed,” he says.
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The lesser-known symptom can take many forms and pass off as something people commonly do for a temporary escape from reality. There could be a deeper cause though.
“It can be obsessions with famous people or celebrities and wishing you could live their life, or being with them,” the psychologist explains as a sign of depression.
The fantasies can also extend to people in your life or manifest as an obsession for worldly things. The escape or constant longing for a way out of life for some can mean the end of their existence for some – a major sign of their mental health condition.
Psychologist’s advice to battle depression
If you or your loved one are obsessed with a fantasy better than the life you’re living, it’s only “normal”, according to the psychologist, who offers useful advice to battle depression.
“It’s actually a pretty normal way of thinking if you don’t enjoy being you. It makes sense that you would constantly be looking for a way out,” when you aren’t content with your life and wish for something better.
However, getting lost in fantasies is only going to do more damage in the long run. Dr. Scott wants you to know, “The more time you invest in these escapes or these exists, the less time you’re spending on addressing what it is.”
Depression can stem from external or internal factors, and not acknowledging the root cause, doesn’t minimize the problem.
Dr. Scott Eilers is a certified psychologist, author, and founder of the North Psychological Center. He holds a Doctor of Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and boasts over 10 years of years as a psychotherapist. He specializes in “severe, treatment-resistant mood and anxiety disorders.”
