Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Depression is a serious mental health problem. People with depression need specialist support and help. There are a few signs to look for if you suspect someone is depressed. Pay attention to any changes in the person's behavior. People with depression may sleep less, eat less, or lose weight. Also pay attention to their mood swings. Depressed people may experience mood swings and trouble concentrating. Remember to seek professional help if you believe the person is thinking of committing suicide.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Assess the person's mood

1. 

   Observe the phenomenon of losing your sense of happiness. Anhedonia, the loss of pleasure syndrome in everyday activities, is a very common manifestation of depression. Pay attention to signs that the person is no longer interested in activities they used to enjoy.
   • You can see this phenomenon happening silently. For example, someone who likes to be social suddenly turns down an invitation to go out. A colleague who used to work while listening to music is now working in silence.
   • You may also find that the person seems quiet or doesn't show emotion. They may no longer smile or laugh at jokes, such as a friend who doesn't seem interested or seems indifferent at social events.

2. 

   
   
   Pay attention to a pessimistic attitude. Depression often leads to a pessimistic outlook on life. If the person suddenly thinks of the worst too often, the cause may be depression. A day or two of pessimism may be caused by a bad mood, but if it goes on for a long time, it may be a sign of depression.
   • Sometimes this is very obvious. A depressed person may say something like, "There's no hope." However, the pessimistic signs are often difficult to recognize. Depressed people may make statements that sound more realistic than pessimistic.
   • For example, a depressed person might say things like, "I review very carefully on this exam, but I don't know if I can get a good score." if they make these statements all the time, they may be depressed.
   • A pessimistic attitude that lasted for weeks could be a sign of depression.

3. 

   
   
   Pay attention to your expression of pretending to be happy. Pretending to be happy is a phrase describing a person trying to be happy in front of others. The person may act as if everything is okay and behave happier than usual. However, this concealment cannot be maintained forever, so the person who is pretending to be happy may avoid contact with people for fear of being discovered.
   • Even though the person looks very happy, you still get the feeling that something is wrong. The person may always smile when he meets you, but you still seem to be avoiding it.
   • Maybe you see someone who looks happily out of the way, refusing to go out, responding less to texts and phone calls, or acting separate from others.
   • If the above behaviors go on for many days, it is a sign of depression.

4. 

   
   
   Watch your mood swings. People with depression are more likely to change emotions. The average person who remains carefree can suddenly be gloomy all day long. Mood swings are a very common manifestation of depression.
   • The person may be more upset and hostile when depressed. For example, a depressed friend might get irritated at you for just a few minutes of being late at an event.
   • Depressed people can be very short-tempered. For example, one of your coworkers might get suddenly upset while explaining something to you in the office.
   • If this happens only once or twice it may just be because they have had a bad day. However, this type of behavior that occurs continuously over a long period of time can be a manifestation of depression.

5. 

   Notice if the person has difficulty concentrating. Depression can clog a person's mind with negative thoughts, and this can make it difficult to concentrate. If the person is depressed, you may notice a decrease in their productivity.
   • With depression, difficulty concentrating often affects a person's work and social life. A depressed friend can have a hard time keeping the conversation going. A depressed student may suddenly submit late or fail to submit.
   • Frequent delays and forgetting about assignments are also a common sign of distraction. A colleague who is always on time often forgets meetings and forgets to report, which can be symptomatic of depression.

6. 

   Be aware of excessive torment. People who are depressed can often feel guilty. A troubled feeling about every aspect of your life can be a sign of depression. If the person feels guilty all the time, especially for trivial things, he or she may be depressed.
   • The person may talk about her painful feelings about past and present mistakes. For example, “I regret that I didn't study harder back in college. I should have done better in today's meeting. I'm pulling the company down. "
   • People with depression may also feel guilty about their feelings or way of life. They may apologize for not feeling like a good friend or feel guilty for feeling upset.
   advertisement

Part 2 of 4: Observe the changes in behavior

1. 

   Pay attention to changes in your sleep. Depression often disturbs sleep. People with depression may have difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. You may not be aware of other people's sleep habits, but listen to what they have to say or changes in behavior that indicate a sleep problem.
   • The easiest way to find out about a person's sleeping patterns is by listening to them talk. For example, the person complains of not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep.
   • Changes in your behavior can also signal a change in the person's sleep pattern. A person who seems groggy or dazed during the day may be due to lack of sleep.
   • If your roommate, partner, or family member suddenly sleeps a lot, they may be depressed.
   • Note that there are many factors, including physical conditions, that can lead to changes in sleep habits. Watch for changes in sleep over a long period of time for other symptoms of depression.

2. 

   Pay attention to changes in your cravings. Depressed people can overeat to cope with stress. They may also lose their appetite and eat less.
   • If the person is binge eating, you may find that they are more likely to snack and eat more at meals. For example, you might notice your roommate suddenly ordered food several times a day.
   • If the person is anorexic, they often skip meals. For example, you may notice a depressed co-worker is no longer eating lunch.

3. 

   Watch for the person's use of alcohol and drugs. Substance abuse can be a major sign of depression. Although not everyone with depression abuses substance, many do suffer from it. Many depressed people start drinking alcohol or using other drugs.
   • If you live with someone who is depressed, you may find that they use drugs more often. For example, your roommate drinks alcohol almost every night, even when class is in session the next morning.
   • You may also find a colleague or friend becoming increasingly dependent on drugs. The colleague may take more breaks to smoke. Your friend may suddenly go out for a drink and often overeat.

4. 

   Watch for changes in weight. Due to changes in appetite and physical activity levels, many people with depression have also experienced changes in weight. This is the most noticeable symptom. Depression can make up to 5% of the body's weight in a month. People who are depressed may lose weight or gain weight.
   • If you notice the person recently gained weight or lost weight along with some other symptoms, then the person is likely to have depression.
   advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Pay attention to danger signs

1. 

   Pay attention to words about death. If a person wants to commit suicide, they can suddenly talk more about death. You may find the person contemplating death more often and raising the topic. For example, they may suggest whether there is life after death.
   • In severe cases, a suicidal person may say something like "If only I could die."

2. 

   Be mindful of negative statements. People who want to commit suicide often have very negative views of themselves and life. You may find that they do not believe that things will change and repeat themselves over and over again. Their general feeling is despair.
   • The person may say things like "This life is so hard" or "There's no way out of this situation" or "I can't do anything to improve the situation."
   • They may also have very negative self-image. You can hear them say things like "I'm just someone else's burden" or "You shouldn't have to worry about me."

3. 

   Notice if the person is arranging their work. This phenomenon is a red flag. The person can work overtime to pay off the debt. They may also suddenly want to make wills or give valuables.

4. 

   Listen to discussions related to the suicide plan. One of the most dangerous signs of a suicidal attempt is the person making the plan. If the person is trying to obtain a weapon or deadly poison, they are probably planning to commit suicide. You may even find that the person wrote words like a suicide note.
   • When a person truly has a suicide plan, the situation is critical. You should immediately call emergency services. The person's life may be at stake.

5. 

   Do the right thing if you think someone is attempting suicide. If you suspect someone is dying, your action is very important. Suicidal thoughts are emergencies and should also be addressed.
   • Don't leave someone trying to kill yourself alone. If the person tries to harm himself, call the police or emergency services in your area. You should also notify a relative or friend as soon as possible.
   • If you are not with the person, advise them to call 18001567, the Vietnamese Center for Psychological Crisis Prevention hotline. In the US, you can call the National Suicide Prevention hotline, 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255. If in other countries you will need to find similar hotlines, such as This phone in the UK is +44 (0) 8457 90 90 90.
   • People who are attempting suicide need professional intervention as soon as possible. It is important to find them a therapist or counselor. A person who wants to commit suicide may require temporary hospitalization.
   advertisement

Part 4 of 4: Troubleshooting

1. 

   Talk to that person. If you suspect that a person is depressed, give them an opportunity to talk. While specialist help is needed, conversation can also help. People with depression need the support of loved ones.
   • Talk to the person about your concerns.You can start with statements like "I think you seem strange lately and I'm a little worried."
   • Skillfully deal with the symptoms you're concerned about. For example, “You look tired lately. I know there is a reason, but are you okay? ”
   • Let the person know that you are always ready to help with things like, "If you want to talk, I'd love to listen."

2. 

   Encourage the person to seek specialist help. You alone cannot help someone who is depressed. Try to get the person to see a psychiatrist or a therapist to fix the problem. They may need psychotherapy or medication.
   • You should offer to find them a therapist. If your friend is still in school, you can direct them to the school counseling center.

3. 

   Tell the person that you are willing to continue supporting them. People with depression need ongoing help. Let them know that you are willing to drive them to therapy sessions, help them keep track of their treatment schedules and support them in life as they experience depression.
   • However, don't forget that you cannot solve someone else's problem. Even though you can support the person, the person with depression still needs to seek professional help.
   advertisement

Advice

• If the person doesn't want to talk, don't force them. Just let them know that you are willing to listen.
• If the person is a pregnant woman who has just had a baby, they may have postpartum depression.
• If you suspect a person has depression, never tell them "Stop being like that", or "You just want to be noticed." Such comments will make them more harsh on themselves or push them to the limit.

Warning

• If you think someone is going to hurt themselves, call 113. (Call 911 if you are in the US).