Warning Signs of Depression

Much like anxiety, depression symptoms and signs can be different from person to person but here are some commons signs of extreme depression to look out for. These signs can be helpful in identifying someone who is at risk of being toward the extreme end of the depression spectrum if the symptoms continue to persist over two or more weeks.

Common Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Loss of interest in activities they normally they enjoy.
• Feeling tired or lethargic even when not deprived of sleep.
• Extreme feelings of guilt or self-doubt.
• Reduced or increased appetite.
• Anger/Irritability.
• Reckless behaviors.

How to Help and Provide Hope

What is Depression?

Depression is a disorder characterized by extreme feelings of sadness or being “down” over a sustained period of time (two or more weeks). This disorder can make people feel isolated and alone or cause them to isolate from others by reducing their social interaction. People with depression can feel tired or lethargic even when not deprived of sleep. Depression can also cause a person to become very sensitive or agitable to small challenges of daily life. This disorder can be extremely debilitating when on the extreme end of the spectrum as every daily challenge can be a challenge for the person.

How Can You Help a Loved One?

You can support a loved one with depression by providing them with support and compassion in completely daily tasks. Furthermore, helping a person understand that the depression and their warped sense of reality is not reflection of them as a person. Many people with depression after receiving the treatment they need can live regular and successful lives. Encouraging the person if they are willing to seek treatment would be a huge step in their recovery from this disorder. Offering phrases of hope that this is a treatment for this disorder, and they can come out of this dark hole they feel they are trapped in. If they are in extreme crisis and considering suicide suggest that they call 988. If they do not feel comfortable you can call for them to and talk with the operator about strategies to get them the professional support, they need. Overall, supporting someone with depression is to be a supportive beacon of hope that they can trust.