If you have little experience with mental health or have not felt depressed in the past, and for some reason have not seen one of the thousands of pamphlets decorating the walls of every high school guidance counselor's office in America, this is for you.
The first and most complicating quality to depression is that it is different for everybody. As such, it can be difficult to tell exactly what a person is experiencing. Another key point is that you aren't looking for specific signs, but rather a general sign of change. If a person is lazy or quiet to begin with, slightly reduced speaking is not reason to be alarmed.
A withdrawal in activity can be a huge warning sign. For example, an end to a daily running routine, dropping out of all leadership and group activities, eating less, or other lack of interest in old favorites. Additionally, limits can be formed in the sense of showing emotion, such as speaking closer to monotone than using a full range, or otherwise lacking a display of affect.
Poor grades or performance at work may also be a sign of depression. This is rarely initially due to a lack of understanding, but rather is often due to a lack of motivation, especially if this person has become suicidal. A grim, nihilist outlook is common, which leads to failing to do much of anything. Eventually, confusion and misunderstanding will set in, if he or she has not kept up with any new material. This is a dangerous situation, as it is often much more daunting to return to work later, which could further fuel depression.
Additional signs of depression are as follows:
- Distant or "confused" demeanor
- Irritability
- Sleeping much less, or much more
- Eating much less, or much more
- Loss of sexual interest
- Overall loss of energy
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