Signs That Someone Is Struggling With Depression And How You Can Help

From a mental health counselor in Charlotte, NC

Have you noticed a change in someone you care about? This article is created to help recognize signs and symptoms that someone may be struggling with their mental health but may not be directly communicating that. If you notice some of these things occurring in a friend, colleague, or family member it would be a good idea to check in on them. Some people won’t talk about what is bothering them without being asked. Be open and curious to what they have to say and let them know that you are there for them.

1.)  Changes in sleep or appetite- This could mean insomnia or sleeping too much. Changes in the amount of meals someone eats in a day may also signal that someone could be struggling.

2.)  Isolating/ Withdrawing- If you notice that someone isn’t around as often as they had been before. Withdrawing from activities that they used to go out for or enjoy doing.

3.)  Changes in work or school performance-  These changes may include receiving lower grades than usual, not completing work projects on time, or being late to scheduled meetings at school or work.

4.)  Unusually low or high energy levels- Feeling more fatigue, feelings of being more mentally and physically tired followed by also having a harder time with concentrating. Or on the other end, having unusually high energy and being more irritable could signal that something is off. These may be noticeable in how someone speaks or in their movements and body language.

5.)  Experiencing feeling more sick- This could be primarily medical related, or it could be physical symptoms that someone is experiencing more due to anxiety or depression. Someone might say they have a more rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or more GI related issues.

6.)  Increase in usage of alcohol or other substances- A increase in using substances like drinking alcohol could be a way someone tries to cope with how they are feeling. However, drinking and excessive use of substances can actually make mental health and physical symptoms worse long term.

7.) Hearing statements like “I don’t want to be a burden.”, or “I am a failure”: If you hear these statements from friends or family it could mean that they are blaming themselves and that their critical voice may be overwhelming them. These statements can be associated with someone who is experiencing depression symptoms.

What can you do if you notice some of these symptoms in your family, or friends?

1.)   Ask the person how they are doing and offer support by expressing your concerns and showing that you care.

2.)  Offer to help them find resources so that they can get better and get the help that they may need. This may look like helping them in their search to find a therapist. Here at Inward Counseling we are taking new clients that are experiencing mental health problems and can help.

3.)   Ask if you can help them with completing a task that could be overwhelming them. This may include helping them with chores or offering to go grocery shopping for them for the week. Initiate a small act of kindness.

4.)  If you are in a working environment, you may also offer to do a workshop on the importance of mental health in the workspace and how the team can help alleviate some stress levels.

5.)  Educate others that may not understand what anxiety or depression is. This can decrease stigma associated with different mental health problems that can come up.

 Click here for more information on depression therapy.

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