Recognizing the Signs of Depression in a Loved One

When you’re watching a loved one struggle with mental health, you might feel lost and unsure about how to help and support them. Often, when a person sees someone they care about dealing with depression, it’s difficult to discern what is short-term or situation depression and when signs of a more profound depressive disorder are present. 

Recognizing the signs of depression in a loved one is important for being able to support them in the way they need and for assisting them in seeking appropriate treatment. 

Short-Term Depression Vs Major Depressive Disorder 

When someone is depressed, they may feel a sense of persistent sadness or hopelessness. It’s common for someone with depression to lose interest in activities they would normally find pleasure in. These are shared characteristics that are found in different types of depression. 

When these feelings are experienced for a few days or a few weeks, they can often be attributed to short-term or situational depression. This type of depression is a response to an event, trauma, or times of stress. Job loss, a divorce, or empty-nest syndrome are examples of triggers for situational depression. 

If someone you care for has recently experienced a stressful or traumatic event, know that it’s normal to experience some short-term depression. However, as they process, adapt, and heal, the symptoms of depression should begin to fade. 

There are therapeutic approaches to treating short-term depression, but many people can manage these seasons of life without much intervention. Offering your support and being there for them is important during this time.

In contrast, major depressive disorder is chronic and is not influenced by a triggering event. Also referred to as clinical depression, major depressive disorder is a mental illness that can become quite severe. Those with clinical depression may experience pervasive feelings of sadness and unworthiness. Each day may feel hopeless, and they lack the motivation to perform regular daily tasks. This type of pervasive depression can affect every area of a person’s life, including their physical health. 

Those with major depressive disorder may be able to manage their condition through self-care, mindfulness, nutrition, and other natural approaches. However, professional therapy and, sometimes, medication are the most effective route to healing. 

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Loved Ones 

Depression can manifest itself in different ways, making it a challenge to recognize when someone you care about is suffering from it. The signs may be subtle, especially in the early stages, and you might not realize they are struggling at all. 

As clinical depression progresses, it does so in ways that affect a person’s emotions, behavior, and physical well-being. 

Emotional Signs of Depression

These are the classic signs of depression that most people are familiar with. Emotional signs of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, unworthiness, and a general lack of enthusiasm for life. You might sense that your loved one has been “feeling down” lately, that they seem distant or disconnected, and that they have lost motivation for work, school, or home life. 

Behavioral Signs of Depression

Behavioral signs of depression aren’t always easy to recognize in someone you love. At first, it might seem like they are having a bad day or week. Then, you might notice that their personality seems to have changed without explanation. They may become more irritable, moody, or more easily angered in a way that seems out of character. 

You might also notice that they aren’t as social as they once were or that they spend time around different people or settings. Responsibilities they were once committed to may become neglected. They may also show a loss of interest in hobbies and pastimes they once found enjoyable. 

Physical Signs of Depression 

Depending on the relationship with your loved one, the physical signs of depression may or may not be obvious. For example, you might hear them complain more frequently about headaches or muscle tension. You may notice they’re not finishing their meals or are just uninterested in eating. 

However, it’s also common for physical symptoms to go unnoticed by others. Changes in sleep patterns might not be something you’re easy to identify, and they might not be forthcoming about new digestive issues. 

Early Signs of Depression to Be Aware Of 

The earlier the signs of depression in a loved one can be recognized, the easier it is to support them in getting help. If you’re noticing one or two symptoms, consider having a gentle conversation with your loved one about how they’re feeling. 

However, it’s also important to be aware when signs of depression indicate chronic, clinical depression. If your loved one is or has experienced a major depressive episode, they will have experienced five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks.

• Generalized depressed mood
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness 
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia 
• Diminished interest in most activities 
• Changes in weight (loss or gain)
• Slowing of mental and physical function (psychomotor retardation)
• Fatigue 
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions 
• Recurring thoughts of death or dying. 

Massachusetts Center for Addiction When Someone You Love Has Symptoms of Depression 

Identifying depression symptoms in a loved one can help them get the professional mental health care they need. Depression can be all-encompassing, but help is available. At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we offer a range of effective, evidence-based approaches to depression treatment. 

Let us help you and your loved one take this vital step in caring for their mental health. Contact the Massachusetts Center for Addiction today at 844-486-0671 for a consultation.