One of the strange things about depression is that, sometimes, the sufferer is the last person to know they have it.
For some people, it hits them like a truck: bam, they can’t get out of bed, they can’t feel like life is worth living, they feel hopeless and helpless. For others, it creeps up so slowly, they are unaware of it.
This second type of depression can be the most stressful—and dangerous—because those who suffer from it often continue to struggle for years, never seeking help. They used to live under the cloud so that would be normal.
I thought about this last week when I read about TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, who said he didn’t realize he had depression until his ex-wife Kristen pointed it out.
The 49-year-old admitted symptoms such as losing his temper more quickly but did not realize they were signs of a mood disorder. He begins to resent his job, making the crowds laugh, but then returns home feeling miserable – yet unaware of how low he has fallen.
Buddy acknowledged symptoms like losing his temper more quickly but didn’t realize they were signs of a mood disorder
This is why partners, friends, and family can be so helpful in spotting the signs.
Not that recognizing depression in others is easy. While some well-known symptoms such as sadness or hopelessness are obvious indicators, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint exactly what is wrong.
When people lose motivation, appear disinterested, or even withdraw from life, it is often assumed that they are just angry or in a bad mood. Those close to them may notice more subtle changes — that they’re “not quite themselves” — but aren’t sure what that means.
If you have concerns that someone you know is suffering, here is a list of signs that suggest the person may be suffering from depression…
TV presenter Paddy McGuinness said he didn’t realize he was depressed until his ex-wife, Christine, pointed it out
Dr. Max Pemberton reveals the signs that someone may be suffering from the most debilitating and dangerous form of the disease
changes in sleep
There is a strong relationship between sleep and mood. A person with depression may find themselves very tired all the time and struggle to stay awake during the day. Or they may suffer from insomnia and find it more difficult than usual to fall asleep at night or get up early.
lack of energy
People with depression may describe feeling like they have no energy at all. Even the smallest tasks, like making the bed or answering an email, feel overwhelming. The term for this is “anergia,” and again, it’s a major sign. They may also struggle to get motivated to do anything – a symptom called ‘restlessness’.
Appetite changes
Going off food can be a sign of depression. Have you noticed that their clothes seem loose? Alternatively, people with depression can sometimes find comfort in food and eat more than usual.
Loss of focus
We call this “cognitive dysfunction” and it’s a common, yet often overlooked, symptom of depression.
People struggle to follow discussions or get tracked in the middle of a conversation. They seem to withdraw and appear aloof or detached. They also struggle to follow the storylines on TV or in books.
This is common in older people and is often mistaken as an early sign of dementia, when in fact it is a symptom of depression.
Decreased sex drive
Of course, there can be a lot of reasons behind the decrease in libido, but it is also a well-known symptom of depression. It affects both men and women equally and can affect sexual function, desire, or satisfaction.
Not caring
People stop hobbies or don’t enjoy things they used to do is another sign. This lack of enjoyment in life is called anhedonia and can be one of the first symptoms of depression.
negative talk
People with depression often begin to show “negative talk.”
They may become very self-critical, have a low sense of self-worth and feel like the world is bleak.
They are pessimistic and defeated.
Pain and ill health
Of course, there is an intersection between physical and mental health. People with depression may begin to complain about physical pain more.
They may talk about vague, unspeakable problems such as headaches, digestive issues, or back pain. Or they become very busy or anxious about their physical health.
Personality changes
Depression affects people in different ways. Loved ones often find that they have “changed” in some way. Instead of appearing sad, they may be more irritable, easily angry or frustrated. Or they may appear withdrawn or quieter than usual.
Increased alcohol use
Some people with depression start trying to self-medicate with alcohol. This may give them temporary relief, but alcohol causes depression, so it makes their condition worse. If you notice that someone is drinking more than usual, it could be a sign that they are in a bad mood.
If you are concerned that a loved one may be depressed, encourage them to see their GP. It may take a few conversations before they agree to go, but persevere. Be nice to them and offer to go with them for support.
Drew Valiant TV Hot Flush
Drew, 48, was in the middle of chatting when she was suddenly overwhelmed by the heat. Instead of trying to hide it, I took the opposite approach
Women of a certain age up and down the country will sympathize with Drew Barrymore who last week had her first hot flush during an interview with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler to promote their new movie, Murder Mystery 2.
Drew, 48, was in the middle of chatting when she was suddenly overwhelmed by the heat. Instead of trying to hide it, she took the opposite approach, exclaiming, “I’m so hot, I think I’m having my first hot flush of perimenopause,” before removing her jacket and ruffling herself.
The problem with hot flashes is that when one starts, women often feel embarrassed or anxious, which in itself causes the body to release more hormones. This, in turn, increases blushing and changes body temperature, causing a vicious cycle—the more you worry about it, the hotter and more confused you get.
Well done Drew for doing exactly the right thing – highlighting it and keeping it going.
We’re told it’s always important to say sorry — and it’s true that an apology can have a profound psychological impact. But I was shocked to learn that 1,000 sex offenders avoided jail by simply apologizing to their victims, according to recent statistics. This included cases of child rape. What absolute madness.
A survey of 4,000 smokers last week by the independent smoking cessation initiative Riot Rehab and YouGov found that 80 percent were “desperate” to quit. I have often heard from doctors that smokers do not want to quit smoking, but this result shows the opposite.
I think part of the problem is that many smokers are put off by what they see as judgmental, finger-wagging doctors, berating them for their habit.
I’ve been working with Riot Rehab to try to reach out to smokers in another way. We started in Milton Keynes by giving free haircuts to smokers. In this relaxed environment, we started simple conversations about how people can quit smoking.
The aim is to make Milton Keynes smoke-free by 2025 – and if this is successful, the plan is to roll out the model across the country.
Smokefree 2030 for the government is an ambitious goal, but as an ex-smoker I really want the state to achieve it.
Dr. Max prescribes … a free health check
In an effort to relieve pressure on the NHS, Boots announced that it would offer free health checks to those over 40.
In an effort to relieve pressure on the NHS, Boots announced that it would offer free health checks to those over 40.
It can be booked in over 1,000 stores around the UK. Health checks include blood pressure and any problems identified will be taken to the person’s GP. It also includes advice about lifestyle changes.
