Depression not only affects emotions but also the way people communicate. Studies show that certain words are more common in the language of those experiencing depression. Here are five key word patterns:

First-Person Pronouns (“I,” “Me,” “My”) Depressed individuals focus inward, using more self-referential words like “I” and “me,” reflecting isolation and self-focus. Negative Emotion Words (“Sad,” “Lonely”) Words expressing sadness, hopelessness, or loneliness are more frequent, highlighting their emotional state.

Absolutist Words (“Always,” “Never”) These words indicate all-or-nothing thinking, common in depression, where situations feel overwhelmingly negative. Cognitive Distortion Words (“Should,” “Must”) Such words suggest pressure or unrealistic expectations, often linked to self-criticism and guilt.

Low Energy Words (“Tired,” “Exhausted”) Fatigue is a common symptom of depression, and words expressing low energy are frequently used. These linguistic clues can help in identifying and understanding depression in conversations.