Recognizing the signs of depression in a friend can be hard to spot if you do not know what to look for. Everyone feels sad once in a while, but how do you tell if it is depression or “just a funk.” Depression takes on many different forms and can last for a few days, weeks, months, or even years. Learning about the signs of depression can make it easier for you to recognize when a friend is in need of help.
Outreach Recovery is a full-service mental health treatment facility that welcomes people with depression who need support to get through this difficult time. Our treatment programs utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy along with medical support to ease any depressive symptoms that are preventing recovery. You will work with a professional therapist in group and private therapy sessions, where you will gain a better understanding of the disorder and new coping skills.
To learn more about our depression treatment program, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a consultation and begin feeling better.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Depression is one of the most common types of mental health disorders that affects millions of people every year. While most people will only experience a mild form of depression that lasts a few days or weeks, some can experience overwhelming sadness for a long period of time. If left untreated, it can negatively affect their motivation and energy levels to the point where they cannot get out of bed in the morning.
The most common symptoms of depression include:
- A persistent feeling of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Negative self-thinking or thoughts of death and suicide
- Insomnia or hyposomnia
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Always feeling tired
- Poor concentration
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Severe mood swings
While there is no permanent cure for depression, there are several effective programs that can teach people how to cope with their feelings and manage their triggers. At Outreach Recovery, we are well aware of the common and uncommon symptoms of depression and work hard to support each patient through their recovery journey. We will develop a tailored treatment plan that is based on each person’s symptoms and their severity.
7 Signs of Depression in a Friend
Recognizing the signs of depression can be a little hard if you do not know what to look for. Many people simply do not have the verbal skills or confidence to say, “I need help,” even if their health is in jeopardy.
If you suspect a friend is struggling with depression, be on the lookout for these seven signs of depression in a friend:
- They are sad for weeks or months at a time.
- When asked to participate in a favorite activity, they frequently decline.
- They will skip regular meals and often turn to comfort foods.
- You notice they are unable to sleep through the night, or they sleep for an abnormally long period of time.
- They experience bouts of crying or sudden anger for no apparent reason.
- They have trouble concentrating or staying focused on the task at hand.
- They use drugs or alcohol frequently because they “had a bad day.”
Some signs of depression are harder to spot than others because, many times, people will hide their problems instead of talking with a friend or loved one. Generations grew up being told to “keep it to yourself,” which has led to an increase in people struggling with their mental health. Talking about your feelings and emotions with a trusted friend is one of the best ways to understand them.
Despite the temporary relief drugs or alcohol may give people who are depressed, this self-medication will do more harm than good. Using drugs or alcohol to treat depression will only worsen depressive symptoms and cause a co-occurring condition that will be harder to treat.
Discover the Benefits of Depression Treatment Program at Outreach Recovery
At Outreach Recovery, we support Idaho residents who are struggling with depression and ready to regain control of their lives. We utilize proven therapeutic techniques to treat all aspects of the disorder and to teach patients healthy ways of coping with their symptoms and triggers. Just some of the therapies we use include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Trauma therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
If you recognize any of these signs of depression in a friend, it is time to reach out.
Call Outreach Recovery to Begin the Healing Process
Give us a call today at 888.897.9284 or reach out online to see how our treatment programs can help. We are here to support you or a loved one. Everyone deserves to heal from depression so they can thrive.