Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a complex mental health condition that can affect the way people think, feel, and communicate. Research shows that certain words are more frequently used by individuals struggling with depression, revealing subtle clues in their language. Here are three words commonly linked to depressed individuals:

Negative Adjectives (e.g., “sad,” “tired,” “worthless”): People with depression often use words that convey feelings of hopelessness and despair. Negative self-perceptions and low mood manifest in their speech, making terms like “sad” or “tired” more frequent in conversation.

Absolutist Language (e.g., “always,” “never,” “completely”): Depressed individuals tend to use extreme language that reflects black-and-white thinking. Words like “always” or “never” show a cognitive distortion where people feel like their challenges are permanent and unchangeable.

First-Person Pronouns (e.g., “I,” “me,” “my”): A preoccupation with oneself and one’s own problems is common in depression. This increased focus on the self leads to more frequent use of “I” or “me,” signaling internalized struggles and isolation.