In the United States, depression is an extremely common condition, affecting about one in 10 adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While many may view depression symptoms as a weakness, the truth is that when left untreated, depression is a mental illness that can worsen other diseases and conditions.
People with asthma, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes are at higher risk of dying sooner when they also suffer from untreated depression. Depressed adults who are married are in an advantageous position. Husbands and wives often notice signs of depression even before the person who is actually suffering. With proper treatment, which can include anything from a regular fitness routine to seeing a therapist or taking medication, this is a very manageable condition.
Here are 5 symptoms of depression to look for in a spouse:
Loss of interest in daily activities: A person who is depressed may suddenly lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. If a spouse once spent hours each week painting or was a fanatic reader but now just sits on the couch or seems lost in melancholy thought, it's a sign that they're depressed.
Mood changes and negativity: Feeling irritable, agitated, restless and violent mood swings are classic depression symptoms. Men and women tend to experience mood changes differently. Men, for instance, are more likely to turn their feelings inward, resulting in feelings of annoyance. Women are more likely to express their emotions and may be seen crying more often. For this reason, women are diagnosed with depression at higher rates than men. But in both situations, spouses are more likely to be argumentative or inattentive toward the needs of other family members.
Physical symptoms: Depression, while it is a mental condition, can manifest itself in physical ways. Adults who are depressed are more likely to get headaches, experience gastrointestinal problems and feel generally achy. To cope, many people turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate both depression symptoms and the consequential aches and pains. Others will turn to sleeping more. In fact, changes in sleep patterns and drug and alcohol abuse are depression symptoms on their own.
Concentration problems: Leaving the house without his wallet, forgetting to pick up the dry cleaning, or a general lack of concentration are all classic signs that a person is feeling down. When someone is depressed, they tend to dwell on feelings of hopelessness or despair. They ruminate about certain topics, such as how to dig out of a financial hole or think about ways they could have prevented a job loss. When this happens, a person can become forgetful, tune out others and seem to be in their own world. While some people are naturally forgetful, when concentration problems begin plaguing a typically attentive spouse - especially one who has recently had personal problems - depression is a likely culprit.
Weight loss or weight gain: Many adults turn to either feeding or starving depression. Depression is a condition with biological manifestations. Some people find comfort in eating - specifically eating unhealthy sweets, chips and fast food. On the other hand, there's another group of people that when depressed they lose their appetite. In both cases, unusual weight gain or weight loss should be taken into consideration when diagnosing depression.
One of the worst things a spouse can do for a depressed husband or wife is hope that the feelings eventually go away. Since the risk for abusive behaviors, which can mean turning outwardly violent or inflicting self-harm, is so high, it's crucial for a spouse to encourage her partner to get help.
This article was written and posted by Ross Taylor on behalf of Bay Area psychologist Dr. Natalie Gelman. From her Alameda office, Natalie offers services in therapy for children, teens, and adults.
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