It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of depression that can oftentimes lead to thoughts of suicide. Many people can put up a good front or façade in front of others, while silently dealing with pain. People who suffer from depression may hide their symptoms because they are afraid of the stigma or judgement from family, friends or coworkers.
Dr. Ashley Zucker, a chief of psychiatry with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, says while it can be difficult to tell if a loved one is depressed, it is important to look for changes in their behavior.
“If someone you love seems more withdrawn, less socially engaged or maybe just more moody or snappy those could be signs of depression,” Dr. Zucker explained. “If you notice that a loved one is beginning to give away their possessions that can be a sign that someone is having suicidal thoughts.”
According to Mental Health America, depression is the most common underlying cause of suicide with 30% to 70% of suicide victims having suffered from major depression. Depression can range from mild to severe. If depression is not caught early and treated, just like any other medical condition it can worsen over time.
“Ignoring signs of depression can lead to worsening of symptoms, and could also lead to suicidal ideation,” Dr. Zucker said. “Depression is a serious medical condition, it is important that if you’ve been experiencing signs of depression that you speak with a doctor.”
Common signs of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure activities, especially ones previously enjoyed
- Sleeping too little or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite —it can be an increase or decrease in appetite
- Frequent or recurrent mention of death, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
Dr. Zucker provided these helpful tips about what you can do if you think you or a loved one might be experiencing depression:
- Be there for them and listen without judgement. You don’t need to have the answers or even have the perfect response or advise. Just letting them know you care, and you want to help is extremely important.
- Help them identify resources locally or through their employer’s Employee Assistance Program or health care provider. Often, depression leads people to have no motivation to take their medications or to go to appointments. Help them stay on track with their medical prescribed care.
- It is critically important that you also make sure you are taking care of yourself. We are most effective at helping others, when we make sure that we are taken care of too.
- Educate yourself about depression, the symptoms, the impact and the treatment. National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) is a great national resource on mental illness not just for patients but for their friends and family. Don’t forget to speak with your primary care physician, that’s crucial.
“Don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are having suicidal thoughts,” Dr. Zucker said. “Asking the question will not cause someone to start to think that way, but often people will not disclose those thoughts until they are asked.”
If you or someone you love may be having thoughts of suicide, there are several national resources available. You can call the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255), Textline (741741), and online chat. For the LGBTQ+ population, Trevor Project has a hotline (1-866-488-7386), textline (678678), online chat and other resources.