Recognizing Suffering: Understanding Depression in our Midst

In the tapestry of human emotions, depression stands out for the profound impact it has on individuals and their loved ones. It's an experience that quietly weaves its way through lives, often unnoticed until its weight becomes palpable. Recognizing the signs of depression isn't just an act of awareness—it's a step towards inclusivity, empathy, and support. Here, we explore five signs that someone in our circles might be grappling with depression, with the hope of fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and supported.

Depression is also a deeply painful experience and one that culturally illicits shame. Some of the people in our lives struggling with depression may not want our help. Don’t take it personal. Depression should also be addressed by the appropriate medical and mental health professionals. This blog is not medical advice and should not take the place of a person’s individual medical doctors and mental health professionals.

1. Changes in Sleep Patterns

Sleep often serves as a mirror to our mental and physical health. An individual might find themselves wrestling with insomnia, struggling to escape wakefulness, or, conversely, grappling with hypersomnia, where the refuge of sleep seems the only escape from their emotions. These shifts in sleep patterns can be a significant indicator that someone is dealing with underlying issues, including depression.

Paying attention to sleep can also have a significant impact on improving mood with depression. If you notice someone is struggling to sleep, more sleep will most likely help! And if they are sleeping a lot, engaging in a more structured sleep pattern with morning and bedtime routines might help them get the rest and play they need to battle their depression.

2. Altered Interest or Pleasure in Activities

In life there is an abundance of interests and activities that bring joy and fulfillment. When someone starts to lose interest in hobbies, activities, or social engagements that they once found pleasurable, it could signal deeper emotional turmoil. This withdrawal isn't always about choosing to be alone; it's can also be about not finding the same joy in these activities as they once did.

When someone experiences depression, life can become less enjoyable; challenging them to do something fun is often met with resistance as they may feel like nothing is fun nor will it be again. Expecting someone with depression to do daily walks might be too much. Start with being present rather than pressuring someone to do something different; curiosity and compassion go a long way!

3. Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

One sign of depression that is often overlooked is a marked shift in concentrating and making decisions. This isn't simply about being indecisive about minor choices or facing the common distractions of our digital age. Instead, it refers to a persistent struggle to focus on tasks at work, school, or in daily life, coupled with an overwhelming sense of indecision even over matters that used to require little thought.

This “brain fog” can be very discouraging and frustrating, making it hard to engage in their usual tasks or to think clearly about their options. Projects may go unfinished, deadlines may be missed, and even everyday decisions—like what to eat for dinner or which task to tackle first—can become sources of anxiety and stress. Consulting with a medical professional to rule out other reasons for difficulty concentrating or making decisions is a great first step for many. Working with a therapist or counselor to determine other behavioral interventions can also have a significant impact for people experiencing this type of symptom.

4. Expressions of Worthlessness or Excessive Guilt

Depression can cast a shadow on an individual's perception of themselves, often leading to harsh self-criticism or feelings of guilt and worthlessness. When someone frequently expresses that they feel they're not enough, or if they're shouldering blame for situations beyond their control, it might be a reflection of the internal struggle they're facing. These expressions are not just moments of self-doubt but may be indicative of a deeper, more persistent battle with depression.

If can also be very difficult to convince someone experiencing depression that their frame of mind is either inaccurate or unhelpful. Often, people experiencing depression, will feel additional shame when someone points out the “flaw” in their thinking. As a support person, friend, or family member of someone with depression, it can be difficult to understand why your words and encouragement aren’t helpful. Again, don’t take it personal or make their struggle about you. If their depression is expressing itself through thoughts of worthlessness and excessive guilt, additional support through individual or group therapy may be incredibly helpful to your person.

5. Physical Symptoms and Unexplained Aches

The mind and body are intrinsically linked, and depression can manifest physically in various ways. Chronic pain, headaches, and other unexplained aches that don't seem to have a clear medical cause can be manifestations of depression. It's important to approach our friends experiencing these symptoms with empathy and understanding, recognizing that they're not seeking attention but signaling distress. In addition to encouraging them to see a doctor to rule out other causes, encouraging those in our lives who are experiencing depression to honor what their bodies are telling them can go a long way in helping them also have compassion for themselves.

And as someone who is supporting and caring for someone with depression it is incredibly important to step out of your own perspective and use your empathy to understand what your person is going through. Experiencing a medical problem with an unknown cause can be very frightening; remaining calm, curious, and compassionate is vital.

Fostering a Culture of Support

Identifying these signs can greatly help when reaching out and offering support. It's crucial, however, to approach conversations with sensitivity, openness, and without judgment: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle,” - Ian Maclaren. Encouraging professional help and offering your presence can make a significant difference in someone's journey. Remember, depression is a deeply personal experience, and everyone's path to recovery is unique.

**Disclaimer**
The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health support. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health issue. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.