How Do You Know If A Loved One Is Dealing With Depression? Here Are Some Signs To Watch Out For

Mental health is at the forefront of discussions on social media these days. It is good that we are opening up about this issue that has long been a taboo, but what next? Are we equipped to deal with a mental health crisis that a loved one may be dealing with? What if our loved one has inhibitions coming forward and revealing that they are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc?

In wake of Sushant Singh Rajput's death everyone is talking about depression, but no one knows how to identify if your loved is actually dealing with it quietly. What are the signs that we can watch out for and intervene in a timely manner?

Counselling Psychologist Saniya Bedi, tells SheThePeople.TV, “It may not be accurate for anyone to make a diagnosis of depression for someone without proper training. However, there are some signs that can serve as a checklist to keep in mind”.

Depression: Signs to watch out for

• Feeling tired, loss of energy, loss or change of appetite, change in sleep patterns etc.
• Thoughts: Negative evaluations about self, others and the world.
• Feelings: Of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, mood changes. 
• Behaviour: Loss of interest in daily activities, withdrawal from usual activities, lack of concentration.

It may not be accurate for anyone to make a diagnosis of depression for someone without proper training. However, there are some signs that can serve as a checklist to keep in mind

Also Read: How Prepared Are We To Deal With A Person Seeking Support For Mental Health Issues?

Relation between social media and mental health concerns:

A research published by NCBI in 2016 says that social media use was significantly associated with increased depression. Another study by Health.com from 2014 says those who used seven or more platforms had more than triple the risk for anxiety and depressive symptoms, compared to those who used between zero and two. 

Confirms Bedi, “Several researches have indicated a strong correlation between social media and various mental health concerns like anxiety, depression etc. Excessive social media usage has been associated with feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, low engagement in physical activities, lack of concentration and disturbed appetite and sleep patterns."

However social media can also be a tracker for us to keep a check on the mental health of those close to us. Bedi says that the kind of engagement that someone does on social media can be an indicator of certain concerns. The same goes for the kind of posts shared or liked, the kind of accounts followed. 

"However, this can't be generalised as not everyone may be open to sharing their feelings openly. Keeping a check on oneself, each other, and being kind goes a long way in any fight!”

Also Read: Living Under COVID-19: Taking care of your Mental Health

While looking out for these signs it is also important to keep in mind that the correct way forward is to connect your loved one to a mental health care provider.

Pic by NewLoveTimes

Pallabi Dutta is an intern with SheThePeople.TV. The views expressed are the author’s own.