Signs That Your Loved Ones are Struggling with Depression

When someone has depression, they often look “normal” on the outside, and are 
dealing with a million different conflicting thoughts in their own mind. Depression is 
lonely, it is painful, and it is often devastating to people who suffer from it. The best 
thing you can do is be there to support your loved ones, but first you might need to 
know when they are in most need of help. Here are some signs to look out for.

Detachment and Isolation

If your friend or loved one begins canceling plans, not showing up to events, and 
ignoring phone calls or text messages, you might want to check in on them. Isolation 
and feeling detached from others is a very common sign of depression. This is often 
one of the first things people do when going through a depressive episode. They call 
into work more often and just don’t feel like they can be social at all. It is often 
accompanied by no longer being interested in the same things, and almost disappearing 
completely. 

Aches and Pains

Many times, depression manifests itself in physical ways, which is another way to notice 
it in your friends or family members. Have you noticed that they seem to have an 
increase in aches and pains? While this could be a legitimate pain, where it just comes 
from a physical condition or injury, there are some things to note when it might be 
mental. Constant and chronic pain that is never relieved by medication, friends who 
seem to constantly have a new thing that is hurting, or when they seem blue and low 
while also complaining of aches and pains could be some signs to look out for.

They Are Becoming Angry or Irritable

This is something else to look out for in your friends or loved ones. People with 
depression often go through mood and behavioral changes as a result of their mental 
illness. Do not take this personally, as it might actually be a silent cry for help. If 
suddenly your friend with depression is becoming irritable, easily agitated, or downright 
angry all the time, it might be time to nurture their feelings.

This can be difficult when their anger is hard to be around, but try to remember they are 
struggling with this more than you are, and people who push others away often need 
the most love and support.

