How to Recognize Signs of Depression in Your Loved One

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and challenging stigmas surrounding mental health issues. We will publish articles related to this critical topic throughout the month. If you are interested, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post. Today, we explore how to recognize signs of depression as well as practical tips that may help you offer support to those who need it.

Why We Must Work to Recognize Signs of Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Accurate statistics regarding depression and other mental health conditions are difficult to obtain because these disorders often go unreported and are left untreated.

In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the average time between onset of symptoms and treatment for mental disorders is 11 years.

Signs of depression may manifest differently from person to person. This also makes the condition challenging to recognize.

It is important that we do.

Depression can be devastating and increases the odds for many other mental and physical health disorders.

We must do all we can to understand and recognize the symptoms of depression in others. To help and support them as they battle mental health challenges and also to open the door to effective strategies, treatments and medications available that can improve quality of life.

Recognizing signs of depression can be the first life-changing step towards effective management or recovery.

How to Recognize Common Signs of Depression

If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s behavior that are concerning, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of depression.

Understanding these signs can help you provide support and encouragement during difficult times:

• Pay attention to any significant changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or sudden mood swings. These can be indicators of underlying emotional distress or escalating stress management concerns.

• Mood changes are a hallmark of depression. Your loved one may seem sad, irritable, or hopeless. They may also seem to have lost interest in activities they used to enjoy, withdrawing from social interactions.

• Depression can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, and digestive problems. Your loved one may describe physical symptoms that do not have a medical explanation.

• Depression can disrupt sleep patterns, causing insomnia or oversleeping. Your loved one may complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep or fatigue despite getting enough sleep.

• Listen to what your loved one is saying and how they are expressing themselves. People with depression may feel like a burden or a failure. Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-criticism, low self-esteem or hopelessness are common in those battling depression.

• Isolation and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed are red flags for depression. Encourage your loved one to seek help and engage in social interactions to combat feelings of loneliness.

• Depression often coexists with substance use. If your loved one starts using drugs or alcohol, it may be an indicator that they are struggling with depression.

The signs of depression described above may present in isolation, or in a combination.

For example, a loved one may be experiencing physical pain and insomnia. Further, the signs of depression may be masked or exacerbated by other conditions, such as anxiety, PTSD, or unresolved trauma.

Also Look Out for Less Common Signs

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can manifest in various ways. Signs often extend beyond the well-known symptoms such as persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. Examples include:

• Anger: While sadness is commonly associated with depression, those experiencing depression may also exhibit heightened and frequent anger outbursts. Irritability over minor issues, or a general feeling of being easily agitated can be subtle signs of underlying depression.

• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia and hypersomnia are commonly recognized symptoms of depression. Less obvious signs, such as oversleeping during the day or feeling fatigued despite getting adequate sleep, can also point to depression.

• Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or indecisiveness can contribute to impaired function and productivity. Those experiencing these challenges may struggle to focus on tasks, retain information, or make simple decisions, affecting their day-to-day activities.

• Heightened Sensitivity to Rejection or Criticism: An unusual sign of depression can include an increased sensitivity to perceived rejection, criticism, or negative feedback. Your loved one may respond disproportionately to minor slights, internalize criticism, or avoid social interactions due to a heightened fear of judgment or disapproval.

• Changes in Appetite and Weight: Some may experience a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss or crave carbs and sugar leading to weight gain. Subtle changes in eating patterns or unexplained fluctuations in weight can indicate underlying emotional distress. Disordered eating behaviors or a preoccupation with body image may also signal depression.

Recognizing signs of depression is key for early intervention, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of this mental health condition.

By understanding that depression can present in diverse ways beyond the traditional symptoms, we can better support loved ones and encourage them to seek help and professional support.

How to Support Your Loved One

If you suspect that your loved one is struggling with depression, there are practical things you can do to support them.

• Start with open and honest communication. Express your concerns.

• Encourage them to seek professional help. Provide resources such as helplines or websites.

• Helping them schedule appointments. Drive them to appointments. Or provide childcare.

• Be a good listener. Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and patience.

• Above all, remind them that they are loved and that their depression does not define them.

How to Recognize Signs of Depression

Depression can be overwhelming, but with early recognition and intervention, it’s possible to manage and overcome it.

Recognizing signs of depression in your loved one may be the first step towards providing them the support they need.

Pay attention to changes in your loved one’s mood, behavior, and physical symptoms, as well as the other indicators described above.

If you recognize any of the signs mentioned, offer your support, and encourage your loved one to seek professional help.

Therapy and medication can be effective in managing symptoms and promoting recovery.

By being observant, understanding, and proactive, you can help your loved one navigate challenges and find a path towards healing.

Depression is treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

By working together and providing support, you can help your loved one manage their depression and regain their quality of life.

Stay tuned for future posts related to specific mental health disorders, mental health awareness campaigns and other mental health initiatives you can participate in if you would like to make a personal impact on the cause.

To learn more about the complexities of depression, read 6 Forms of Depression: How to Spot Each One.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach.  Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.