Are you concerned that you are seeing signs of depression in a family member? Don’t hesitate to contact a psychiatrist in Metairie, LA, to make an appointment so they can extend the help your loved one needs.
These signs will be more obvious in some cases than others. If, for example, your loved one shares that they’ve had thoughts of suicide, this is a clear-cut sign of depression that you should address with the help of a psychiatrist right away.
There are also subtler signs of depression that should land on your radar. At Crescent City Psychiatric, our team is dedicated to helping you recognize these signs early and offering the support you need to address them effectively.
Spotting the Most Common Signs of Depression
Seeing the signs that show your family member is dealing with depression isn’t always easy. Make sure you don’t ignore any of these signs that could suggest it’s time to approach your loved one about seeking help.
1. Irritability
Irritability is one of the first signs you’ll see if your loved one is experiencing any number of mental health disorders. Studies have shown irritability is a symptom of everything from anxiety to bipolar disorder. Combined with other symptoms, it could indicate depression.
Your loved one may exhibit angry outbursts or frustration over seemingly small matters. They may snap at you or others out of nowhere.
2. Social Withdrawal
Does it appear as though your family member is less interested in interacting with others than before? Social withdrawal is another major sign of depression in a family member. It may be accompanied by a loss of interest in most or all normal activities.
The brain’s stress response can lead individuals with depression to want to withdraw from others. Isolating themselves may only make the feelings of depression and loneliness stronger, creating an endless cycle.
Your loved one may withdraw because they feel sad, fatigued, apathetic, or ashamed. If you have noticed your family member withdrawing, do your best to get them out of the house, and talk about the possibility of seeking treatment.
3. Appetite Changes
Many factors can affect a person’s appetite. Your loved one might stop eating as much as they normally do if they are ill, experiencing a physical condition, trying a new diet, or going through a stressful period in life.
But if you consider the other common causes for appetite changes in your loved one and come up empty, a mental health condition like depression could end up being to blame. Depression can affect a person’s appetite in both directions, causing them to eat much less or much more than usual.
4. Sleep Disturbances
If your family is struggling to sleep, they may suffer from a condition like:
- Sleep apnea
- Rhythmic movement disorder
- Insomnia
But sleep disturbances combined with other symptoms could be a sign of depression in your family member. As many as 75% of people with depression have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You may also notice your loved one sleeping longer than normal or struggling to get out of bed to face their responsibilities in the morning.
5. Feelings of Worthlessness
Showing affection to your loved one, spending time with them, and simply listening to what they have to say can all work wonders for their feelings of worth. But if your family member is struggling with depression, they may experience feelings of worthlessness no matter how you show love to them.
Individuals with depression often hyperfocus on past failures and blame themselves for things that were not their fault or responsibility. They may exhibit feelings of guilt or fixate on social problems they have no true control over.
Have You Seen These Signs of Depression in a Family Member? Contact Us To Make an Appointment
Keep an eye out for these signs of depression in a family member. Depression can affect physical health in a major way if you don’t see the signs of it early enough.Crescent City Psychiatric can evaluate your loved one for depression and offer an accurate diagnosis of the current state of their mental health. Reach out to us today at (985) 249-1322 to get started.
