Have you noticed any of these warning signs in yourself or a colleague?
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
- Mood Changes: Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, or irritability.
- Loss of Interest or Pleasure: Diminished interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships.
- Changes in Appetite and Weight: Significant changes in appetite or weight, either a decrease or increase.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, waking up too early, or sleeping excessively.
- Fatigue and Loss of Energy: Feeling tired or slowed down, even after adequate sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions.
- Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems.
- Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Excessive guilt, feeling like a failure, or having low self-esteem.
- Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurring thoughts about death, suicide, or self-harm.
- Agitation or Restlessness: Feeling agitated, restless, or irritable.
- Changes in Behavior: Increased irritability, anger outbursts, or social withdrawal.
If you or a colleague is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it may be a sign that they are thinking about suicide. It is especially important to seek help if these behaviors are new, have increased, or seem related to a painful event, loss, or change.0
Talking About:
- Wanting to die
- Feeling great guilt or shame
- Being a burden to others
Expressing Feelings of:
- Emptiness, hopelessness, or having no reason to live
- Being trapped or feeling there’s no way out
- Extreme sadness, anxiety, agitation, or rage
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Behavioral Changes May Include:
- Making a plan or searching for ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Saying goodbye, giving away treasured possessions, or writing a will
- Taking dangerous risks, like driving recklessly
- Experiencing extreme mood swings
- Sleeping or eating significantly more or less
- Increasing use of drugs or alcohol
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, don’t wait—seek help immediately. Support is available.