Recognising depression symptoms

How do I know if my partner is depressed? 

Christine McRae, of the Trail Blazing Woman, offers this advice in answer to your question.

 There is so much talk these days about the increase in the percentage of men who will suffer depression in their life usually in their 40s or 50s. 

My recent blogs have been about insights to help you manage a relationship where your partner has depression. 

 I thought we would revisit the typical symptoms of depression just in case at this point in time your partner has not actually been diagnosed with depression yet you have noticed some marked changes in his communication and behaviour.

 To assist you understand if your partner could be suffering from depression here are some typical symptoms:

• Lowered self-esteem (or self-worth)
• Change in sleep patterns, that is, insomnia or broken sleep
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Less ability to control emotions such as pessimism, anger, guilt, irritability and anxiety
• Varying emotions throughout the day, for example, feeling worse in the morning and better as the day progresses
• Reduced capacity to experience pleasure: you can’t enjoy what’s happening now, nor look forward to anything with pleasure. Hobbies and interests drop off.
• Changed sex drive: absent or reduced
• Poor concentration and memory: some people are so impaired that they think that they are going demented
• Reduced motivation: it doesn’t seem worth the effort to do anything, things seem meaningless
• Lowered energy levels.

For more information on this please click on the link below to read the complete article Depression Explained:

http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/depressionexplained/index.cfm

The Blackdog Institute specialises in understanding, coping with and treating depression in men.  

Beyond Blue has an excellent on-line questionnaire that can be completed.  It is a checklist that will give you an indication if someone close to you is possibly suffering from a depressive illness. Please note, Beyond Blue keeps no record of your test results or identity.  

 http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=1.3&gclid=CI-aoInowJ4CFcQvpAodLT_0ow

 I trust this provides some answers for you.  

In my next blog we will look at what you can do if you notice these symptoms.  

In the meantime if you have any questions please contact me at christine@trailblazingwoman.com.au.

Christine McRae, The Trail Blazing Woman, christine@trailblazingwoman.com.au

©January 2010, The Trail Blazing Woman