Feeling blue from time-to-time is a normal part of life. But it’s very different to depression, which can make you feel sad for weeks or even months, clouding your mind and making it hard to go about your daily tasks. It’s also really common and very treatable. Here’s how to spot the early signs of depression, so you can support your loved ones in their hour of need.
What Causes Depression?
The primary cause of depression varies a lot from person-to-person and there are many things that can trigger it. Common ones include sad or stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment, and the loss of a relationship. While these events can make anyone feel sad they can sometimes trigger depression, particularly if they’re coupled with other unhappy events or circumstances.
If you feel that something is amiss with the people that surround you, keeping an eye out can be of help. When a loved one is experiencing a tough time, you should contact them regularly to check up on them and listen to their concerns. Show you care and provide a listening ear, without judgement or criticism. Though the list is in no way comprehensive, a few common life events that can sometimes lead to depression are:
Bereavement
Divorce
Illness
Redundancy
Job loss
Money concerns
Common Depression Symptoms
It’s important to remember that every person’s experience of depression is unique, and it really does affect people differently. However, there are some tell-tale emotional signs of depression. These include feeling sad and in low spirits all the time and crying a lot. Feeling depressed also leads to a lack of interest in anything; increased anxiety, restlessness and being more irritable and impatient than normal.
Less Common Signs
Depression symptoms can show themselves as much physically as emotionally and some signs of depression are particularly challenging to spot. But if you’re aware of them, you can keep a close eye. These include a lack of energy and feeling tired all the time; sleeping problems; over-eating or a loss of appetite; weight loss or gain; smoking or drinking more than normal and unexplained aches and pains. Your loved one may also find it tough to focus or remember things.
5 Tips on How You Can Help
If your loved one is going through depression and anxiety, it’s important not to judge or criticise their emotions or actions. This could make them turn away from you. Instead, if you see them suffering from five or more of signs of depression for at least 2-weeks, here are some tips on how you can support them so they start feeling better.
#1 Listen
Show you care and provide a listening ear. Find a quiet moment to have a proper chat; gently encourage them to open up and talk about their feelings. While you may not feel qualified to offer good advice on how to fight depression, letting them get everything off their chest and supporting them in any way, can be invaluable.
#2 Encourage Exercise
Make suggestions on how they can help themselves, but make sure to be gentle. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm them. Depending on your loved one’s situation, suggestions might include exercise and a healthy diet. Physical activity can lift your mood, clear your head and help you sleep.
#3 Find Support Groups
Find information on the local services available to them, such as support groups and counselling. While seeking depression treatment has to be their decision alone, equipping your loved one with all the information they need will be helpful, as it might not be something they’ve considered. Perhaps you could offer to go with them or meet them afterwards?
#4 Be Patient
Watching the signs and symptoms of depression in someone you love is really tough, however, you have to be patient. The road to recovery can be long, but how long depends on the person. This means it’s extremely important to stay in touch regularly and let them know you’re always there – no matter what!
#5 Care for Yourself
Supporting a loved one through depression can be emotionally draining. Therefore, you must take good care of yourself as well. If you’re feeling daunted, there are lots of helplines you can call to seek expert advice and guidance. After all, by looking after yourself, you’ll be better placed to support your loved ones.
Finally, if you’re feeling particularly concerned, it’s sensible to suggest they see a Doctor, who will be qualified to give them the medical support they need. If they are worried about the costs of depression treatment, you can suggest a family healthcare plan that is affordable and covers the patient from day one of the policy
Remember, everyone’s experience of depression is deeply personal and how long it takes to recover varies from individual-to-individual. But spotting the signs of depression early can really help.
