12 signs that your partner may be suffering depression

Depression is a very individual experience that has its own specific triggers and its own specific responses to those triggers. However, there are common threads of behaviour that may be clues that your partner may be having more than a series of bad days and may and may have something deeper and more concerning.

Part of the disease is of course that is more commonly a quiet condition where those who suffer may do so in silence. If you are worried about someone you care about may be in a not so good place and could require some help these are those common threads to look for:

1. Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
2. Fatigue and decreased energy
3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
4. Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
5. Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
6. Irritability, restlessness
7. Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
8. Overeating or appetite loss
9. Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
10. Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

Although often not expressed, even on questioning, thoughts of suicide may also be present.

As well as the prolonged and painful experience for the sufferer and the impact on those around them of course a major concern is that this may lead to a suicide attempt. Conservative statistics suggest at least 1 in 10 people who have dression commit suicide.

There are seven suggested signs that this may be imminent with the following warning signs:

1. A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
2. Always talking or thinking about death. Rather than a direct reference to suicide they may even make verbal reference to feelings such as “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
3. Symptoms of depression worsening
4. Appearing to have a “death wish,” i.e. tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
5. A total loss of interest in anything one used to care about
6. Increasing comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
7. Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will and visiting or calling people one cares about

Either way the only solution is help..In the first instance, getting this for the person AND yourself is crucial, if you want to be in a position to help a loved one who is depressed you will only be able to best do this by seeking the right advice and support.

Cal us anytime and we will be able to offer suggestions as to the right place to access help for you and your loved one.