It's important to be attentive to signs of depression in others, as they may not always explicitly ask for help. Some subtle cries for help from a person who is depressed may include:
Withdrawal: They may start to withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.
Changes in sleep patterns: Insomnia or excessive sleeping could be indicators of depression.
Changes in appetite: Significant weight loss or weight gain without a clear reason may be a signal of emotional distress.
Increased irritability or anger: Depressed individuals might express their emotions through increased irritability or outbursts of anger, even over minor issues.
Loss of interest: They may lose interest in hobbies, work, or other activities that were once meaningful to them.
Low energy and fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness and lack of energy can be associated with depression.
Self-criticism and guilt: They may display feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt over past actions or perceived shortcomings.
Frequent complaints of physical ailments: Sometimes, depressed individuals may manifest their emotional pain through complaints of unexplained physical discomfort.
Neglecting personal appearance: A depressed person might stop caring about grooming or maintaining their appearance.
Changes in communication: They might use negative language or express feelings of hopelessness when discussing their life or future.
Giving away possessions: Making arrangements to give away belongings could indicate a feeling of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts.
Sudden mood shifts: They may exhibit sudden changes in mood, appearing fine one moment and then deeply sad the next.
Expressions of feeling trapped: They may talk about feeling stuck or trapped in their circumstances.
Avoiding eye contact: Depressed individuals may avoid eye contact as it can be challenging to show vulnerability.
It's important to remember that each person may exhibit different signs of depression, and these cues should not be taken in isolation. If you suspect someone may be struggling with depression, approach them with empathy and compassion, and encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health expert. Always take any indication of suicidal thoughts or plans seriously and immediately seek professional assistance or contact emergency services.