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With complex mental issues such as depression, there are usually warning signs before it spirals out of control. Nobody just wakes up one morning with clinical depression. There are usually signs months, or even years in advance. Today I will be going through 10 red flags that I found most informational in recognizing signs, and causes of depression.
10 Red Flags for Depression
Loss of Interest: When someone is experiencing symptoms of depression, they often lose interest in things that they found enjoyable before such as hobbies, relationships, or social activities. Someone with depression will seem to become disconnected from people they care about. When someone is depressed, it is important to not let them disconnect. Depression is an illness that requires as much support from family and friends as possible. As the person becomes more and more disconnected, they grow further and further from treatment.
Side Effects of a Medication: Some medications have been tested and proven to cause depression. It is important to be careful when taking these medications and consult with a doctor about your symptoms regularly.
Significant Weight Changes: Someone who suffers from depression may go through a phase of binge eating or loss of appetite. When someone’s body weight changes by more than 5% in one month, it is important to seek treatment. Eating issues can impact someone for a long term period which is why this is one of the key symptoms to watch out for.
Traumatic Experiences: Many people who experience a traumatic experience such as rape, the death of a loved one, a natural disaster, or even a war situation, are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder as well as depression. It is important that people coming out of these high-stress situations receive treatment because many of these types of situations, can be life altering.
Thoughts or Talk About Suicide: Most people contemplating suicide are just looking for a way to end the horrible feeling that they have on the inside. Some of the symptoms of someone considering suicide include talking about killing or hurting themselves, making final arrangements such as giving away prized possessions, saying “the world would be better off without me,” or even acting in a way that they could get killed “accidentally. ” (ex. Running a red light on purpose) If someone begins to display any of these signs it is important to get them help right away.
Anger and Irritability: Someone who is depressed is more likely to be easily agitated or angered. They may feel like everyone is out to get them or that nobody cares about them. Their temper may become shorter and they often get upset over little things. They may have unexpected outbursts of anger or frustration.
Family History: Studies have shown that depression and other mental illness can be hereditary. It is extremely important to know the signs of depression if you have a family history of it so you can seek help and treatment in the earliest stages. It is also important for parents with depression to not hide it from their kids so that they know what signs to look out for.
Abusive Relationships: Many people who are in abusive relationships are being subconsciously driven down the path of depression. When you are in a controlling and abusive relationship, you forget how to think for yourself. It is hard to love yourself when the person you thought you were meant to be with treats you like trash. If you see signs of an abusive relationship, call a justice center. Abuse should never be taken lightly as it can lead to serious mental problems.
Concentration Problems: Another sign of depression is the inability to remember things or the inability to focus. This can be especially hard for students with depression because they often have to continue with schoolwork even through their depression.
Substance abuse: Almost 30% of people who have a substance abuse problem, also suffer from depression. Many people use drugs and alcohol as a way to relieve the stress from their problems. Overdosing on substances is a really easy way to commit suicide which is why depressed substance abusers need to be paid special attention.
Sources:
https://www. helpguide. org/articles/depression/depression-signs-and-symptoms. htm
http://www. webmd. com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1
http://www. psyweb. com/articles/depression/seven-red-flags-for-depression
http://www. gponline. com/red-flag-symptoms-mood-changes/mental-health/article/1316293
http://www. webmd. com/depression/guide/causes-depression#1
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