Signs A Loved One Is Suffering From Depression

If you notice changes in a loved one's behavior, you may be wondering if they are suffering from depression. There are many signs that a person is suffering from depression and they are often not that difficult to spot. Everyone feels depressed once in a while. However, when these feelings continue for a prolonged period of time making it difficult for someone to function in their everyday life, they are suffering from depression.

Hopeless and Lost Interest

One of the major signs that a loved one is suffering from depression is drastic changes in their moods. You may notice that they no longer smile or laugh. These speak about life in a hopeless and helpless manner. They may even begin to verbalize how much they hate themselves or feel worthless. They may also begin to withdraw from activities and hobbies that they previously loved.

Sleep Problems

When someone is going through depression, they may have trouble sleeping. Insomnia is one of the main symptoms of depression. When your loved one is not getting a good night's sleep, they will become anxious and even more depressed. Some people with depression may have trouble sleeping, but others are quite the opposite. You may find that your loved one has no interest in getting out of bed. They may sleep for hours on end and neglect personal hygiene or their responsibilities.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are among the most obvious signs that someone is going through depression. Your loved one may have uncontrollable outbursts of anger. These uncontrollable outbursts of anger may be followed by crying for hours on end. It may seem to an onlooker that everything is fine and you may not know what would have triggered the behavior. However, things like this will happen because of the spiraling emotions that the person is experiencing.

How To Help

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, you need to get them help immediately. You may need to stage a family intervention, especially if they have children who are being affected by their behavior. You should contact a professional to assist you with this intervention because you do not want to go about it in the wrong way and push your loved one even further into depression. The best thing you can do is to let them know that you are available to assist them and get them professional help to overcome what they are going through.

Look into adult mental health treatments that may help them. 

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