Depression can be tough to spot, especially when it affects someone you care about. The signs aren’t always obvious, and they can show up differently from person to person. It’s important to recognize the warning signs so you can support your loved one and help them get the help they need.
If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s behavior or mood, it might be time to check in with them and see how they’re really doing. Please note that the purpose of this blog post is not to diagnose anyone, but to educate you on signs and symptoms that your loved one might be struggling with depression, and could benefit from seeing a professional.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that affects the brain, causing chemical imbalances that can impact mood, energy, and thinking. Unlike just feeling sad, which is a temporary emotional response to life’s challenges, depression is persistent. It can make it difficult to experience joy or interest in things that once felt good.
The brain’s neurotransmitters — chemicals that help regulate mood, like serotonin and dopamine — are disrupted in depression, which leads to feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. This imbalance can affect how a person processes emotions, makes decisions, and interacts with the world, often making everyday tasks feel overwhelming.
5 General Signs of Depression
Depression can show up in many different ways, and it’s not always easy to spot. Everyone’s experience with depression is different, but here are five general signs to watch for:
1. Changes in Sleep Patterns
One of the most common signs of depression is a change in sleep habits. A person who is depressed might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or may sleep much more than usual. They might seem constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
On the other hand, some people with depression might wake up very early in the morning and be unable to fall back asleep. If your loved one is sleeping a lot more or a lot less than usual, it could be a sign that something isn’t right.
2. Loss of Interest in Activities Once Enjoyed
When someone is depressed, the things they used to enjoy may no longer seem interesting. They might lose the desire to do hobbies, hang out with friends, or even get out of the house. It’s not that they don’t care, but depression can drain their energy and excitement for things that used to bring joy. If you notice that your loved one has started avoiding activities they used to love, it might be a signal that they’re struggling with more than just a bad day.
3. Withdrawal from Social Interactions
People with depression often pull away from others, even those they’re close to. They might cancel plans, not respond to messages, or isolate themselves from family and friends. While some alone time can be normal, a pattern of withdrawing from social interactions is a sign that something’s wrong. They may feel overwhelmed or like they’re a burden to others, which can make it hard for them to connect. If your loved one seems to be pushing people away, it could be a sign they’re battling depression.
4. Appetite or Weight Changes
Depression often affects eating habits, and people may either lose their appetite or eat much more than usual. Some may skip meals or have no interest in food, while others may eat to cope with their emotions. These changes can lead to noticeable weight loss or gain. If you notice a shift in their eating habits, it’s worth checking in with them to see if they’re feeling okay emotionally.
5. Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness
One of the biggest signs of depression is when someone starts to feel hopeless or like they don’t matter. They may say things like, “I’ll never get better” or “Nothing ever goes right for me.” These thoughts can be overwhelming and make it hard for them to see any possibility of change. If your loved one frequently talks about feeling worthless or like they’re not enough, it’s a sign that depression is taking a serious toll on their mental health.
How Can You Tell How Severe Someone’s Depression Is?
The key to understanding the severity of depression is recognizing how much it affects someone’s ability to function in their daily life. The more it impacts their ability to work, maintain relationships, or care for themselves, the more support they might need. Here’s how to gauge the severity of depression:
Signs of Mild Depression
People with mild depression may feel down or sad most of the time, but they still manage to go through the motions of daily life. Mild depression may look like:
- Feeling down or sad most of the time.
- Trouble enjoying activities, but still managing daily responsibilities.
- Slight changes in sleep, energy, or appetite.
While mild depression can be challenging, the person might seem less engaged or motivated but still able to keep up with their regular routine. They may appear more distant, but they can function overall. If someone is showing signs of mild depression, it’s important to keep an eye on how things progress, as even mild depression can worsen without proper support.
Signs of Moderate Depression
Moderate depression is more noticeable and starts to significantly impact a person’s daily life. Things that define this level of depression typically includes:
- Struggling to keep up with work, school, or personal responsibilities.
- Increased feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or irritability.
- More noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.
- Avoiding social activities or relationships.
At this level, depression starts to affect relationships. The person might withdraw from social activities, avoid seeing friends or family, and isolate themselves. While they might still be able to get through the day, they’re likely finding it much harder to enjoy life and stay engaged with the world around them. Moderate depression can take a toll on both emotional and physical well-being, and it’s important to address it sooner rather than later.
Signs of Severe Depression
Severe depression is intense and disruptive, affecting almost every aspect of a person’s life. Someone with severe depression might exhibit behaviors like:
- Feeling completely overwhelmed, hopeless, or empty.
- Losing interest in almost everything, including basic self-care.
- Major disruptions in sleep (insomnia or sleeping too much) and eating habits.
- Physical symptoms, like chronic pain or fatigue with no clear cause.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
These symptoms — especially suicidal ideation — are serious and require immediate attention from a healthcare professional. Severe depression is a medical emergency, and it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
How to Assess the Impact
To better understand how severe someone’s depression might be, ask yourself these questions:
- How much is it affecting their daily life? Are they struggling to work, study, or take care of themselves?
- How long have the symptoms lasted? If they’ve been feeling this way for two weeks or more, it’s time to encourage them to seek professional help.
- Are there any urgent signs? If you notice thoughts of self-harm, extreme hopelessness, or a lack of care for basic needs like eating and sleeping, immediate professional help is needed.
How to Offer Support
If you notice signs of depression in a loved one, offering support is one of the most important things you can do. It can be difficult to know exactly what to say or how to approach them, but your support can make a huge difference in their recovery.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s not your responsibility to “fix” them or handle everything on your own. You’re there to provide encouragement, help them take steps toward seeking professional support, and offer compassion. Ultimately, it’s their journey to take. With that in mind, here are some ways to offer meaningful help:
1. Start a Conversation
The first step is gently bringing up your concerns. Let your loved one know you’ve noticed changes and that you’re there for them. You could say something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately. I’m here if you want to talk about it.” Approach it with understanding, and remember, you don’t need to push them to talk before they’re ready. Just letting them know you’re available is important.
2. Let Them Know You’re There to Listen Without Judgment
Create a space where your loved one feels comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment. Listen with empathy, and avoid immediately offering solutions. Let them know you’re there to support them, even if they’re not ready to talk. Sometimes, simply being there to listen can be more helpful than trying to fix everything right away.
3. Normalize Therapy and Help-Seeking
Depression can feel isolating, and sometimes, your loved one may feel ashamed or reluctant to seek professional help. Let them know that seeking help is a positive step toward healing. Share that therapy is a normal and helpful way to deal with challenges like depression.
You might say, “Talking to a therapist really helped me regulate my emotions so they weren’t so overwhelming,” or, “Therapists are trained to help with things like this.” If they’re open to it, offer to help find a therapist or make an appointment, but remember that seeking help is their decision, and they may need time to get there.
4. Be Patient and Understanding
Depression doesn’t improve overnight, so patience is key. Healing from depression takes time, and setbacks may occur. Be supportive, even if progress seems slow. Remember, your loved one’s ability to connect may be limited, so don’t take it personally if they withdraw or seem distant. Your ongoing support will mean a lot, even if you don’t see immediate changes.
5. Provide Information, Not Ultimatums
Instead of giving demands, offer helpful information in a supportive way. Suggest resources, like articles or local therapy options, without pressuring them. For example, “I read this article on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that showed me how to reframe negative thoughts. I’ve actually felt a difference in my mood — want me to send it to you?”
Presenting options can give your loved one the power to take control of their own healing journey, without feeling pushed or forced into something. By offering information in a supportive and understanding way, you allow them to take small steps toward help, on their own terms.
6. Encourage Small Steps
When someone is depressed, even simple tasks can feel like huge challenges. That said, a person with depression might dismiss small achievements, thinking things like, “I should be able to do this on my own, this isn’t worth celebrating because it should be normal.” They might feel frustrated or discouraged when they don’t accomplish more.
However, those small steps — like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or eating a meal — are actually big victories in the context of depression. These actions require effort, and celebrating them is important for building momentum and confidence.
Encourage your loved one to recognize these small wins by acknowledging their progress. Help them see that every small step is a positive sign of movement forward, even if it doesn’t feel like much. Remind them that there’s a real, neurological reason that these things are harder for them — it’s not just in their head — so they should be proud of their strength.
Find Professional Depression Resources and Support
If you’ve seen the signs of depression in someone you love, encourage them to reach out to a professional. Together, we can explore the path to healing and rediscovery of joy. Remember, taking the first step toward recovery is a sign of strength, and Northpoint Lincoln is here to guide you (or your loved one) through each step. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient depression treatment programs.