What Are the Signs of Depression?
If you’re like most Americans, there’s a good chance that someone you know has major depression. This illness, which seriously alters the lives of affected people, is the nation’s most common mental health concern. In a worst-case scenario, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Your friend or family member can avoid this kind of outcome with the help of a depression treatment program. You can potentially tell if your loved one needs help by looking for evidence of the classic signs of depression.
Signs of Depression: Outward Indicators That Something Is Wrong
In medical terms, a sign is an observable evidence that someone may be affected by a given condition. Such signs are common in people with untreated mental health conditions. Each condition has its own telltale observable indicators. For a person affected by major depression, such indicators can include:
- The frequent or constant appearance of a down or sad mood
- Unusual restlessness and/or irritability
- An unusual increase or decrease in the amount of food they eat
- An accompanying increase or decrease in their normal weight
- An apparent lack of energy
- Frequent oversleeping
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
- Declining or absent interest in doing things they used to enjoy
- Recurring complaints about aches or pains that have no obvious source
Your loved one may also talk or move slower than usual. In addition, they may seem unable to concentrate, focus or follow a train of thought. They may also talk about being sick of life or show other signs of suicidal thoughts or planning.
Depression Symptoms: Inward Indicators of Depression
Not all of the effects of depression reveal themselves in visible form. The signs you see on the outside are typically the counterpart of inward depression symptoms. Examples of the illness’ most common symptoms include:
- A pessimistic or hopeless outlook
- Recurring feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- A frequent or constant sense of worthlessness or guilt
- Persistent feelings of emptiness
- Suicidal thinking and/or planning
All of these things can qualify as depression signs if your friend or family member expresses them. However, they may also remain unexpressed. As a result, they can have a hidden, corrosive effect on your loved one’s well-being.
Along with undetected symptoms, the signs you notice may meet the criteria for an official major depression diagnosis. However, they may not meet the current criteria. As a rule, take all indicators of depression seriously. By doing so, you may help your loved one avoid severe or even fatal mental health consequences.
How Depression and Addiction Treatment Can Help
Major depression and addiction often occur together. Your loved one may drink or use drugs in response to the effects of depression. In addition, substance abuse can contribute to a future depression diagnosis.
In either case, your loved one needs both depression and addiction treatment to recover. If only one of the two problems affecting them is targeted, they will likely fail to get better. As a result, their depression and addiction symptoms may continue to linger and harm their ability to function.
Call Today to Begin Depression Treatment at Tree House Recovery
How can you tell if someone you know is clinically depressed? Depression is typically accompanied by outward signs of its effects. It also produces internal symptoms that may go unnoticed unless your loved one reports them. Turn to the professionals at Tree House Recovery to find out more about depression’s potential effects.
Is your friend or family member affected by both depression and addiction? Tree House features customized plans for the treatment of these combined conditions. Call us today at 910.812.1728 or complete our online form for details on our convenient, holistic approach.