We often hear about depression so much that we all feel like we have depressed relatives because they are feeling down or simply sad… This fact sheet aims to help you determine if your loved one is showing signs that could suggest depression, a real illness requiring treatment by a specialist.

WHAT ARE THE RECOGNIZED SYMPTOMS OF NERVOUS DEPRESSION?

Today, there are a number of signs that are universally recognized as symptomatic of depression:

a loss of interest or pleasure in doing things that are usually enjoyable;
a feeling of sadness or emptiness;
frequent crying spells, for no apparent reason;
a slowdown or agitation and difficulty staying still;
a feeling of worthlessness or guilt;
changes in appetite leading to weight loss or gain;
thoughts about death or suicide;
difficulty thinking, remembering things or concentrating;
difficulty making simple everyday decisions;
sleep disorders, often waking up very early in the morning and unable to fall back asleep, or even wanting to sleep all the time or "stay hidden under the covers";
a constant feeling of fatigue;
a lack of emotional reaction, sometimes even to the point of no longer being able to cry.

If your loved one shows several of these signs every day for at least two weeks in a row, and if he expresses suffering and/or his social and professional behavior is altered, he may be suffering from depression and should consult a doctor.

ARE THE PHYSICAL PAIN HE IS COMPLAINING ABOUT LINKED TO A POSSIBLE DEPRESSION?

It should be noted that for many people, depression is also accompanied by physical suffering, whether it is headaches, muscle pain, palpitations, nausea or digestive disorders. In general, the clinical examination does not identify a physical cause, but the patient remains convinced that his suffering has a physical and not psychological origin.

WHAT OTHER SIGNS CAN ALERT ME?

Other more discreet signs can alert you; these are changes that occur in your loved one's behavior, gradually or suddenly:

a sudden silence and a desire to stay away from others when your loved one is usually sociable;
periods of anxiety;
a tendency to dramatize when he is rather optimistic by nature;
repeated forgetfulness;
a tendency to irritability;
a tendency to not want to break out of his routine when he usually shows initiative;
a tendency to let go;
difficulty making even simple decisions.

Also be careful if, usually apathetic and sad, he regains all his energy for no apparent reason: this could be a sign of severe depression. Consulting a psychiatrist is then necessary to prevent any risk of suicide.

WHY DOES HE FEEL GUILTY?

A depressed person feels a strong sense of guilt, which is one of the specific difficulties of depression. Indeed, people with depression sincerely believe that everything that happens to them is linked to a mistake they may have made in the past, whatever the mistake and its degree of seriousness. They therefore regularly blame themselves, for everything and in all circumstances.

HOW CAN I KNOW IF IT IS RATHER SADNESS OR FATIGUE?

Although the symptoms and signs of depression are numerous, you should nevertheless know that being sad does not necessarily mean being depressed. If your loved one is able to rejoice, make decisions, take an interest in what is around them and if you manage to take their mind off things and distract them, it is probably not necessary to encourage them to consult a psychiatrist. Indeed, he may simply be suffering from temporary fatigue and his GP will be able to help him: do not hesitate to advise him to consult him.

WHAT CAN I ADVISE HIM?

If you think that your loved one may be suffering from depression and he is not already being treated by a specialist in this disease, advise him to consult his doctor. The latter will be able to provide him with the help he needs and refer him to a colleague if necessary. It is important to know that the longer he waits to consult, the more difficult the treatment will be.

Isn't his condition simply due to age?

Depression affects elderly people very strongly (at least 15% of those over 65) but often goes unnoticed, blamed on old age and associated diseases (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc.).

Widowhood, loss of autonomy, age-related illnesses... Many factors promote the occurrence of depression in the elderly, leading to withdrawal on oneself, anxiety and sometimes chronic pain. As elderly people are sometimes reluctant to complain about these symptoms to their loved ones and their doctor, it is important that those around them pay particular attention to the psychological state of their elders.
Depression is a real illness that affects 20% of the population: one in five people has had, is having or will have depression. This common illness should not be ignored because it causes a lot of suffering for the person affected and their loved ones, while it can now be treated very well thanks to the progress made in both knowledge and treatment (medication, psychotherapy, etc.). If you think your loved one is suffering from depression, encourage them to consult their doctor. Professional outside help is essential.

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