Weve all witnessed the overly simplified depiction of a person with depression as someone who is perpetually mopey, sad and crying, their despair blatant and on display for all to witness. That is not reality.

The truth is that symptoms for depression vary widely, which is why someone can be posting nonstop selfies on Instagram and simultaneously be in the throes of a major depressive episode , no apparent signs of sadness in sight. Meanwhile, another person may exhibit signs of depression by withdrawing from normal activities or sleeping too much, all while showing no outward signs of sadness.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to mental health issues, including depression, among more people. But if youve never experienced the condition before, it might be hard to identify if you think it mostly includes feeling sad.

We spoke with a couple of mental health experts to help highlight signs that could indicate depression even if sadness isnt one of them.

You exhibit behaviors that may be associated with pandemic fatigue

With COVID-19 completely upending our daily lives, it can be easy to dismiss depression as a side effect of dealing with pandemic pressures. Ignoring social distancing measures, going lax on mask ordinances, or changing your punctuality habits or appearance can all be indicators that youre depressed and not just tired of the pandemic restrictions.

A lot of us are fatigued by the pandemic and how long its been, said Zamira Castro , a licensed psychologist based in Florida. Theres pandemic fatigue, and then theres carelessness or complete disregard for your well-being. That could be a slippery slope. Someone in your life whos loosening their COVID restrictions, you may wonder is this because theyre really tired and theyre trying to manage their risks and play with what they can or cant, or they dont [really care] about themselves.

Your appetite drastically changes

You may either be eating more than usual or, more commonly, have no appetite at all.

Its an easy [sign] to overlook because we live in a society that values diet culture and values restriction as a sign of control and discipline, Castro said. That says something good about your character if youre not gorging on food. I think that it can be easily missed and it can be praised as that person somehow has it together, and theyre doing well.

But dietary changes depend on the individual. It plays out differently because of our temperaments and preferred ways of coping, Castro added. If you have more depletion of serotonin levels, then you may be someone who is more inclined to seek comfort in food.