Depression is a serious mental health problem. Those who suffer from it need professional support and help. If you suspect someone is depressed, there are several signs to watch out for. Consider whether he has changed his habits, sleeps and eats less, or has lost weight. Observe any changes in mood. A depressed person can suffer from mood swings and find it difficult to concentrate. If you believe he is contemplating suicide, seek professional help.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Assessing his State of Mind
Step 1. See if she is unable to feel pleasure
Anhedonia, or the lack of pleasure in normal daily activities, is a fairly common depressive symptom. Look for signs that the subject has no interest in everything that once thrilled him.
- You may notice almost imperceptible changes. For example, a very sociable person may begin to refuse to go out, while a colleague used to listening to music at his desk may suddenly work in silence.
- You may also notice that most of the time he looks sad or indifferent, smiles little or doesn't laugh at jokes at all, doesn't seem happy or very present when he's around people.
Step 2. Pay attention to pessimism
Depression often generates a pessimistic outlook on life. If the person in question begins to assume that he is going to face the worst, his attitude is probably due to a state of depression. Although a day or two of discomfort may be due to a bad mood, prolonged pessimism can indicate depression.
- Sometimes, it is almost noticeable. A depressed person might say, "There is no hope." Nonetheless, the signs of a distrustful approach to life are difficult to grasp. People with depression may seem more realistic than pessimistic.
- For example, he might state, "I've studied hard for this exam, but I doubt I'll pass it with flying colors." You will probably think this is a pragmatic way of looking at the situation. However, if such claims are common enough, they could indicate depression.
- If the pessimistic attitude seems to last for several weeks, it could be a depressive symptom.
Step 3. Notice if the subject feels compelled to be happy
By forced happiness we mean a state of fictitious happiness to be exhibited in front of others. In these cases, the person may deny that there is a problem and appear more optimistic than usual. However, it is an impossible mask to maintain. As a result, pretending to be happy, she may turn away from others for fear of being discovered.
- Even if she looks cheerful, you may find that something is wrong. For example, she is always smiling when you see her, but you notice that she distances herself.
- You'll likely notice that although she looks happy, she refuses to go out when you invite her, rarely replies to your messages and phone calls, and isolates herself from others.
- If this behavior lasts more than a few days, it is likely that you are suffering from depression.
Step 4. Pay attention to mood swings
People with depression can be very fickle. A person who is usually quiet may suddenly become gloomy. It is not uncommon for mood swings to be a symptom of a depressive state.
- Depression can make people more hostile and irritable. For example, a friend might pick on you if you arrive a few minutes late on an appointment.
- A depressed person is very likely to become very short-tempered. For example, a co-worker might get nervous quickly when explaining something to you about work.
- If it happens a couple of times, maybe he's just had a bad day. However, if it is a persistent pattern of behavior, it can indicate depression.
Step 5. See if you have trouble concentrating
Depression can besiege the mind with negative thoughts and hinder concentration. If someone is suffering from depression, you may notice a drop in performance.
- Concentration problems caused by depression often affect social and work life. A depressed friend may have a hard time holding a conversation. A depressed student may suddenly start turning in his homework late or not doing it at all.
- Failure to meet deadlines and neglect your responsibilities may also suggest concentration problems. If a colleague almost always punctual and precise continues to miss meetings and not present his reports, most likely his behavior manifests a form of depression.
Step 6. Beware of guilt
Depression causes people to feel guilty and becomes evident when self-reproach pervades every aspect of life. If you notice someone expressing a strong sense of guilt, especially over trivial matters, it is likely that they are suffering from depression.
- The guilt could affect past and more recent mistakes, prompting the subject to say, "I feel so bad for not doing my best in college" or "I could have put more effort into today's meeting. I'm ruining the company. ".
- A depressed person may also feel guilty about their mood or way of being. He may apologize for not believing he is a good friend or feel the need to apologize when he is sad.
Part 2 of 4: Identifying Behavior Changes
Step 1. Recognize sleep disorders
Depression often disrupts the sleep / wake rhythm. People who are depressed may sleep too much or have a hard time falling asleep. It is not easy to understand how much and how another person sleeps, but you can get a better idea by paying attention to the information they offer on this topic or to any changes that indicate a sleep disorder.
- To find out if something has changed in a person's circadian rhythms, try listening to them tell you how they rest at night. For example, he may complain of not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much.
- Behavioral changes may also indicate changes in the sleep / wake rhythm. If she seems dizzy or listless during the day, she may have some trouble sleeping.
- A roommate, partner, or family member is likely to be depressed if they start sleeping more than usual.
- Keep in mind that many factors, including medical conditions, can lead to changes in your night's rest. Therefore, you should pay attention to changes in the sleep / wake rhythm when accompanied by other depressive symptoms.
Step 2. Notice the changes in appetite
People who are depressed can overeat to cope with stress or lose their appetite and, consequently, eat less.
- If a person eats excessively, you will notice that they snack frequently and overeat at the dinner table. For example, your roommate might start ordering take-out several times a day.
- If she has no appetite, she may skip meals. For example, a depressed co-worker stops eating lunch.
Step 3. Consider alcohol and drug use
Toxic substance abuse can also be a major depressive symptom. While not all people with depression have addiction problems, they do occur in many cases. In fact, it is not uncommon for a depressed person to start drinking excessively or taking recreational drugs.
- If you live with a depressed person, you have the opportunity to notice the frequency of this destructive behavior. For example, your roommate drinks almost every night, even when he knows that he can't miss university courses the next day.
- You may also find that your drug use has increased. A co-worker is likely to start taking numerous breaks at work to smoke, while a friend goes out very often to drink and get drunk.
Step 4. Watch for weight changes
In subjects suffering from depression, weight changes due to changes in appetite and physical activity are not uncommon. They are often the easiest symptom to spot. Depression can cause a 5% change in body weight within a month, leading to weight loss or weight loss.
If you have recently noticed that the person has lost weight or gained weight, and this phenomenon is accompanied by other symptoms, it is very likely that the person is in a depressive state
Part 3 of 4: Paying Attention to Warning Signs
Step 1. Pay attention to the talk about death
When a person contemplates committing suicide, they are likely to start talking about death more often. You will probably hear him reflect on this topic, repeatedly bringing it to the attention of his interlocutors. For example, he might strike up a conversation about the hypothesis that an afterlife exists.
In severe cases, a person thinking of committing suicide might say, "I wish I was dead."
Step 2. Listen to negative affirmations
Those who intend to take their own life have a very negative view of themselves and the world around them. He may continually express the belief that things do not change. There is a sense of general despair.
- Maybe he goes so far as to say: "Life is too hard", "There is no way out of this situation" or "There is nothing we can do to make things better".
- Additionally, she may have negative feelings about herself and say, "I'm a burden to everyone" or "You shouldn't hang out with me."
Step 3. Notice if he is tidying up his life
This is an important warning sign. A person who plans to commit suicide might work harder to pay off all his debts, but also begin to settle everything for his will and give away all his most precious possessions.
Step 4. Listen to all talks about a possible suicide plan
Among the most dangerous signs that indicate an intention to take your own life, consider making a plan. If he is trying to get a lethal weapon or substance, he is likely to commit suicide. You may also find some notes or notes relating to its purpose.
If he has actually devised a plan to kill himself, it means that the situation is very critical. You should immediately notify the emergency services. His life could be in danger
Step 5. Take appropriate action if you suspect that you intend to commit suicide
If you have this concern, you need to take action. Suicidal thoughts deserve the doctor's attention and, therefore, must be addressed in this direction.
- Don't leave a depressed person alone with this intention. If you try to harm yourself, call 911. Don't hesitate to even tell a family member or friend.
- If you are not together, tell him to call Telefono Amico on 199 284 284. If you are abroad, look for the equivalent number in the country that offers the possibility to express your suffering anonymously and confidentially. For example, in the United States, you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255), while in the United Kingdom at +44 (0) 8457 90 90 90.
- A person who intends to commit suicide needs the immediate intervention of a professional. Hence, it is essential that you contact a psychologist. In some cases, hospitalization may also be required.
Part 4 of 4: Addressing the Problem
Step 1. Talk to the person
If you suspect she is depressed, give her a chance to confide. Even if you need professional assistance, just talking can help. A depressed person needs the support of loved ones.
- Let her know about your concerns. You can start by saying, "I've noticed you're weird lately and I'm a little worried."
- Tactfully and gently deal with any symptoms that are troubling you. For example: "You seem very tired lately. I know it could be anything, but is everything okay?"
- Tell her that you are willing to help her: "If you want to talk about it, I'm happy to listen to you."
Step 2. Encourage her to seek professional help
You cannot support a person suffering from depression on your own strength. So, try to get her to consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist who can deal with her problem. He will likely need to go to therapy and take medications.
You can offer to help her find a therapist. If you are in high school, ask your teachers for advice
Step 3. Tell her that you are willing to offer your full support
People with depression need ongoing support. Therefore, assure her that you will accompany her to the doctor, help her meet her commitments and provide her with other means to make life easier for her in times of severe depression.
However, remember that you cannot solve other people's problems. While you can offer support, the depressed person needs to seek professional help
Advice
- If she doesn't want to talk, don't force her. Let her know that you are willing to listen to her.
- If she has recently given birth, be aware that she may be suffering from postpartum depression.
