How to Recognize Signs of Depression in Your Loved One

May is recognized as 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 of May. 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 the frequency of 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, making the condition challenging to recognize.

It is important that we do, however, because 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 our loved ones or in other people in our lives. 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 significantly 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.

Several common signs of depression include:

• 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. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and offer support.

• 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 of Depression

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 Outbursts: While sadness is commonly associated with depression, individuals experiencing depression may also exhibit heightened and frequent anger outbursts. Unexplained outbursts of anger, irritability over minor issues, or a general feeling of being easily agitated can be subtle signs of underlying depression that require attention and support.

• Changes in Sleep Patterns: While disturbances in sleep, such as insomnia or 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 underlying depressive symptoms. Unexplained changes in sleep patterns warrant attention and may indicate the need for a mental health assessment.

• Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Cognitive symptoms of depression, such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or indecisiveness, can contribute to impaired functioning and productivity. Those experiencing these challenges may struggle to focus on tasks, retain information, or make simple decisions, affecting their day-to-day activities and quality of life.

• Heightened Sensitivity to Rejection or Criticism: An unusual sign of depression can include an increased sensitivity to perceived rejection, criticism, or negative feedback. Individuals may respond disproportionately to minor slights, internalize criticism, or avoid social interactions due to a heightened fear of judgment or disapproval, which can impact their relationships and self-esteem.

• Changes in Appetite and Weight: Your loved one 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 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, expressing your concerns, and offering your help.

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

• Offer support by helping them schedule appointments, driving them to appointments, or providing childcare.

• Be a good listener and 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 that provide more targeted information 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. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.