There is a serious mental health issue with depression.Professional help is needed for those who are suffering from depression.There are several signs to look for if you think someone is depressed.Make sure to pay attention to any changes in behavior.The person may be sleeping less or eating less.If there are changes in mood, watch.A person with depression may have mood swings.If you believe someone is considering suicide, make sure they seek professional help.
Step 1: It's a good idea to watch for a decline in pleasure.
Depression can cause a loss of pleasure in daily activities.Someone no longer enjoys activities they used to enjoy.You can see this in subtle ways.A formally social person may decline an invitation to go out.A co-worker who used to listen to music at their desk may suddenly stop working.A person may suddenly stop using the computer.A person may seem down or neutral a lot of the time.Someone might no longer smile or laugh at jokes.A friend may not be present at a social event.
Step 2: Look at pessimism.
Depression can cause a pessimistic outlook on life.Depression may be to blame if someone suddenly assumes the worst.One or two days of pessimism may be just a bad mood, but pessimism over a long period may indicate depression.This can be obvious.A person with depression may say, "This is not possible."It's hard to catch signs of pessimism.A person with depression may sound realistic.If someone is depressed, they may say something like, "I studied so hard for that test, but I doubt I'll get a decent grade."The person may be looking at the situation pragmatically.These kinds of statements may point to depression if they are made frequently.A person may be depressed if they are pessimistic for many weeks.
Step 3: It's a good idea to see for forced happiness.
Someone putting on a happy face is called forced happiness.A person may deny that there is anything wrong.The mask can't be maintained.A person who is faking happiness may withdraw from others for fear of being discovered.A person may seem cheerful, but you may be concerned that something is off.You notice that a friend is pulling away when you see them smiling.Someone who seems happy is turning down invitations to go out, rarely returning texts and phone calls, and acting in a way that isolates them from others.This may indicate depression if these patterns continue for more than a few days.
Step 4: Mood swings can be observed.
People with depression can have volatile emotions.A normally laid back person may suddenly be angry.Mood swings are a sign that someone is depressed.Someone who is depressed may be more hostile.A friend living with depression may get upset if you are late for a social event.A person with depression may be short-tempered.A co-worker may become frustrated quickly when explaining something to you.The person may be having a bad day if this happens only once or twice.It may indicate depression if this pattern of behavior continues for a while.
Step 5: The person might be struggling to concentrate.
Negative thoughts can cause depression.Concentration is difficult because of this.You may see a decrease in productivity if someone is suffering from depression.Concentration issues can affect social and work life.A friend who is depressed may not be able to hold a conversation.A student with depression may suddenly be turning in papers late or not at all.Someone is struggling to concentrate if they miss deadlines and don't fulfill obligations.If a co-worker is missing meetings and reports, this could be a sign of depression.
Step 6: Be alert to guilt.
People with depression may feel guilty.It is possible that guilt about every aspect of one's life is an indicator of depression.A person who expresses a lot of guilt, especially over trivial matters, may be depressed.The person is guilty of past and present mistakes.I didn't work harder in college.I would have done better.The whole company is going to be brought down by me.A person who is depressed may feel bad for their feelings.They might apologize for not being a good friend or for feeling down.
Step 7: You should pay attention to the sleep changes.
Depression can change someone's sleep cycle.A person with depression may not be able to sleep.It can be difficult to know if someone else's sleep schedule is normal or if they have sleep issues.If someone shares the information with you, it's the easiest way to know about sleep changes.Someone may complain about not getting enough sleep.Changes in sleep habits can be detected by behavioral changes.Someone may be struggling to sleep if they are off during the day.A roommate, romantic partner, or family member may be depressed if they suddenly seem to be sleeping a lot.There are many factors that can lead to a change in sleep habits.Along with other symptoms of depression, look for long term changes in sleep habits.
Step 8: Changes in appetite are noted in the note.
People with depression may eat a lot.They may not be able to eat as much because they don't have an appetite.If someone is eating too much, you may notice they are snacking more frequently.Your roommate may suddenly order take out several times a day.People who are under-eating may skip meals.A co-worker suffering from depression stops eating lunch.
Step 9: Consider the use of drugs by a person.
Substance abuse can be a sign of depression.Many people who suffer from depression develop substance abuse problems.Depression can cause a person to start drinking heavily or using recreational drugs.If you live with someone who is depressed, you may see them using substances more often.Your roommate starts drinking before classes.A co-worker or friend may be using substances more.A co-worker may take a lot of smoke breaks.A friend may want to drink a lot.
Step 10: Changes in weight are something to look for.
If someone is suffering from depression, changes in weight are not uncommon.The easiest symptom to notice is this.A 5% change in body weight can be caused by depression.Someone who is depressed may lose or gain weight.This person may have depression if you notice that they have put on or lost weight recently.
Step 11: Pay attention to what someone is saying about death.
They may talk about death more often if someone is suicidal.You may hear someone talking about death a lot.They may talk about whether or not there's an afterlife.It is possible for a suicidal person to say, "I wish I was dead."
Step 12: Negative statements can be heard.
A person who is suicidal may be very negative about themselves.They frequently talk about the fact that they don't think things will change.They will have a feeling of despair.A suicidal person may say things like "life is too hard" or "There's nothing I can do to make things better."They might be very negative about themselves.You may hear someone say "I'm a burden on everyone" or "You shouldn't have to deal with me."
Step 13: Someone getting their affairs in order should be watched.
This is a red flag.Someone might work overtime to pay off debts.They may want to get their will in order.A suicidal person may give away their possessions.
Step 14: There are discussions about a specific suicide plan.
A plan is one of the most dangerous signs of suicidal intent.Someone trying to get a deadly weapon or substance may be suicidal.They may write something that looks like a suicide note.This is very dangerous if someone has a suicide plan.You should alert the emergency services.The person's life is in danger.
Step 15: If you think someone is going to take their own life, act accordingly.
It's important to take action if you suspect someone is suicidal.Suicidal thoughts are a medical emergency and need to be addressed.If you suspect someone is suicidal, do not leave them alone.If the person tries to harm themselves, call the emergency services.As soon as possible, you should alert a family member or friend.Tell the person to call the National Suicide Hotline if you're not with them.If you're outside the United States, look for the same thing.They can call the number in the UK.As soon as possible, a suicidal person needs professional intervention.It's important to get them help.Someone who is suicidal may need to be hospitalized.
Step 16: You can talk to the person.
If you suspect someone is depressed, give them the chance to talk about it.Just talking can help.A person is living with depression.Bring your concerns to the person."I've noticed you have been acting strange lately and I'm a little concerned."Any of the symptoms that concern you should be addressed.You seem tired lately.I know this could be for some reason, but have you been feeling well?Let the person know that you are available to help.If you want to talk about it, I would be happy to listen.
Step 17: Encourage them to seek assistance.
You can't help someone with depression on your own.Try to get the person to see a therapist.It is possible that counseling or medication is needed.You can offer to help them find therapists.You can take them to the counseling center if you're still in school.
Step 18: Let them know that you are willing to provide more support.
People with depression need support.Let the person know you're willing to drive them to appointments, help them keep track of their schedule, and offer other means of making their life easier while they suffer from a bout of depression.You can't solve someone else's problems.It's still necessary for the person to seek professional help, even if you can provide support.