Depression is a mental illness that can affect everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
According to the NHS, the condition impacts around one in 10 Brits over the course of their lives. But the NHS adds some people believe that it's not a real health problem, which is why many sufferers may not speak about their struggle.
While we all feel down from time to time, those with depression can feel persistently sad for weeks or months at a time. According to the NHS, it has many different symptoms and affects everyone differently.
If you suspect that someone you care about is battling depression, there are certain changes in their behaviour that you should not ignore. The Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH) warns that in its more severe form, depression can be life-threatening as it can make people lose their will to live and feel suicidal.
While it's a mental health issue, depression can manifest itself physically in a range of symptoms that affect sleeping, eating, thinking and general behaviour. With Mental Health Awareness Week underway until May 21, knowing the warning signs of depression could help yourself or a loved one in the future.
The mental health charity adds that those who suffer from depression often experience anxiety at the same time - when a person can't control worrying thoughts - making them a constant disruption to every day life. Both share certain symptoms, like feeling restless, agitated and problems with sleeping and eating.
When it comes to speaking to someone with depression, SAMH advises to be sensitive and to think carefully about what - and what not - to say. It's important to speak to them calmly, show your support and not to dismiss concerns.
SAMH offers plenty of online advice on speaking to loved ones about depression or mental health, as well as resources for professional help.
Read below to learn of the warning signs in depression that shouldn't be ignored.
Signs of depression to look out for in a loved one
According to SAMH, people experiencing depression can exhibit many behaviour changes, including:
- Change in mood - restlessness, agitation, sadness
- avoiding social events and activities they used to enjoy
- self-harming or suicidal behaviour
- difficulty speaking or thinking clearly
- losing interest in sex
- difficulty in remembering or concentrating
- Increase in alcohol, drug or tobacco use
- difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
- no appetite and losing weight,or eating too much and gaining weight
- moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
- exhibiting feelings of physical pain with no obvious cause
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking advice from a GP can be a good first step towards further treatment. Alternatively, visit the Scottish Association of Mental Health website here for more information, resources and advice.
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