Over 5.5 crores of Indian people suffer from depression. That’s 1 in 20 people. These telltale signs will help you know if someone around you is going through dark times. Here’s how to find out if someone you love is depressed, so you can then help them get through it.

Symptom 1: Staying Aloof

If a friend or a loved one suddenly turns ‘anti-social’, depression may be the root cause. They may have lost interest in companionship, or feel like they might bring others down.

Symptom 2: Increased Drinking

Often turning to alcohol to cope with their social insecurities, depressed people might start drinking heavier than usual. Starting as a coping mechanism, this can become an addiction by itself.

Symptom 3: Constantly Changing Moods

The chemical imbalances that accompany depression can make a person go from happy to crying-aloud sad in a matter of minutes. Watch closely, though—this could simply be due to a clinical hormonal imbalance.

Symptom 4: Getting Bored With Everything

This is easy to catch; if you see a loved one suddenly failing to enjoy something they love, chances are that they are depressed.

Symptom 5: Suicidal Thoughts

As dark and heavy as this is, you’ll need to know. If someone starts talking obsessively about death and suicide, it’s time to step in and get them professional help.

Watch out for these 5 signs, and you might just make someone’s life a little better.

References:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/paging-dr-gupta/how-can-you-tell-if-someones-depressed/

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/10-signs-someone-you-know-is-depressed-and-how-you-can-help/

https://www.normanrosenthal.com/blog/2012/03/seven-signs-of-a-depression