It can be hard to tell when someone close to you is depressed. After all, most people are good at hiding their feelings. But sometimes, the signs are there. You just have to know what to look for. In this post, we’ll outline five signs that someone close to you is suffering from depression.
If you see any of these signs in someone you care about, it’s important to reach out and offer your support. Depression is a serious mental illness, and it should not be taken lightly. With the right treatment and support, however, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
Sudden Change in Mood or Behaviour.
If you’ve noticed that your significant other has been a little more irritable than usual, or your best friend has been more reclusive than normal, they might be suffering from depression.
Depression can manifest in many ways, but some of the most common signs are a sudden change in mood or behaviour. So if you’re seeing changes that you don’t think are just a result of them having a bad day, it’s worth checking in with them to see if they’re okay.
If they are suffering from depression, don’t try to handle it on your own. Depression is a serious condition, and it’s best to get help from a professional.
Loss of Interest in Favourite Activities.
It’s not always easy to tell when someone is depressed. After all, people are experts at hiding their emotions. But there are a few tell-tale signs that you can look out for.
One sign is that the person has stopped enjoying their favourite activities. Maybe they used to love going to the movies but now they’d rather stay at home. Or maybe they used to love going out for drinks with friends but now they’d rather just stay in bed.
If you notice that your loved one is losing interest in the things that make them happy, it’s a major red flag that they may be depressed.
Withdrawing From Social Activities.
You’ve been noticing that your partner has been withdrawing from social activities lately and doesn’t seem as enthusiastic as they used to be. Maybe they don’t want to go out with friends or they stop talking as much when you’re around.
These signs could be indicative of depression. Depression is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, accompanied by a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. It’s important to remember that depression is a real illness and not a character flaw.
If you think someone close to you is battling depression, it’s important to talk to them about it and offer your support.
Increase in Alcohol or Drug Use.
If you’ve been noticing that your loved one has been drinking more than usual, or using drugs more often, it’s possible that they’re coping with depression.
When someone is depressed, they may use alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate. This can quickly lead to addiction, and make the depression worse.
If you’re worried about someone you love, it’s important to talk to them about it. Let them know that you’re there for them and that you want to help them get through this tough time.
Drastic Changes in Eating Habits.
You may have noticed that your loved one has been eating significantly more or less than usual. This change in eating habits is often one of the first signs that someone is suffering from depression.
Depression can lead people to eat too much or to not eat enough. Both of these can be dangerous for someone’s physical health. If you’ve been noticing that your loved one has been making changes to their eating habits, it’s important to talk to them about it and see if they need help.
If you’re worried about someone you love, the best thing you can do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you care and that you want to help. The most important thing is to be supportive and understanding.
