We’ve all had those days where we feel a little “off.” Maybe a bad mood, a rough week, or just general stress. But what if that feeling doesn’t go away? What if you’re watching a loved one—a friend, a partner, a sibling—seem to lose their sparkle, and it’s lasting for weeks, even months?
It’s easy to dismiss these shifts as a rough patch, a passing mood, or just general stress. But sometimes, these changes are the quiet, persistent signals of something more profound: depression. As a serious and treatable medical condition, depression is not a sign of weakness or a choice. And as a loved one, recognizing its signs is the first, most powerful step you can take to help them get the support they need to heal.
At Serenity at Summit New Jersey in Union, NJ, we understand how challenging and heartbreaking it can be to watch someone you care about struggle. We’re here not only for the person in need, but for you as well.
It’s More Than Just Sadness: The Signs of Depression
Depression doesn’t always look like constant sadness. Its symptoms can be wide-ranging and often manifest in surprising ways that can be easy to miss. Here’s a guide to some of the subtle and not-so-subtle signs you shouldn’t ignore.
You Might Notice Changes in Their Behavior…
These are often the first clues, as they impact a person’s daily routine and interactions. Keep an eye out for:
- Social Withdrawal: Are they suddenly saying no to plans? Seeming distant even when in the same room? They might be pulling away from friends or family they used to be close with.
- Loss of Interest: The hobbies they once loved—gardening, playing sports, reading—no longer bring them joy. This can extend to work, school, or personal relationships.
- Changes in Sleep Habits: This one can go either way: sleeping much more than usual, or experiencing a brand-new bout of insomnia, having trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Substance Use: A new or increased reliance on alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate or numb emotional pain.
…Or Shifts in Their Emotional and Mental State
These are often hidden, but you might pick up on them through a shift in their demeanor or a passing comment:
- Persistent Feelings of Hopelessness: A constant, heavy feeling that doesn’t seem to lift, often accompanied by a negative outlook on the future.
- Irritability or Short Temper: Depression can manifest as anger or frustration, especially in men and adolescents. Small annoyances can suddenly become major conflicts.
- Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: A pervasive sense of not being good enough or blaming themselves for problems, even those outside of their control.
- Inability to Concentrate: They might be having difficulty focusing on tasks, making decisions, or remembering things.
And Yes, It Can Have Physical Symptoms Too
Depression is a mind-body condition, and its effects often show up physically. Look for:
- Chronic Fatigue: A deep, persistent exhaustion that isn’t relieved by sleep. They may feel drained of energy even after a full night’s rest.
- Changes in Appetite or Weight: This can go both ways: a significant increase or decrease in appetite, leading to noticeable weight loss or gain.
- Unexplained Aches and Pains: Headaches, stomach issues, or general body aches that have no clear medical cause can be a physical manifestation of emotional distress.
The Local Picture: Depression in New Jersey
These signs are all too common in our community. New Jersey faces a significant mental health burden, and the numbers highlight the urgent need for support right here in Union and the surrounding areas.
- Over 1.1 million adults in New Jersey have a diagnosable mental health condition.
- In early 2021, post-pandemic, about 42.2% of New Jersey adults had symptoms of anxiety or depression, and nearly 20% of those people couldn’t get counseling or therapy when they needed it.
- Our youth are also struggling: roughly 72,000 New Jersey adolescents (ages 12–17) experienced depression in the last year, and over 61% of them did not receive any care.
If these statistics feel personal, it’s because they are. They represent friends, neighbors, and family members in our community who are quietly battling depression.
Finding the Path to Healing: What You Can Do
If you recognize these signs in a loved one, it’s natural to feel worried, scared, or even helpless. The most important thing you can do is to approach them with compassion, not judgment.
- Start the Conversation: Find a calm moment to express your concern gently. Use “I” statements, such as, “I’ve been worried about you lately,” rather than accusatory “you” statements. Let them know you’re coming from a place of love.
- Listen with Empathy: Be prepared to listen without trying to “fix” their problems. Simply offering a non-judgmental ear can be a profound source of support and make them feel less alone.
- Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest that they speak to a professional. You can offer to help them find a therapist, and even offer to go with them to an initial consultation.
How Serenity at Summit Can Help
At Serenity at Summit New Jersey, we are a local resource for individuals and families in Union, NJ, and the surrounding communities. We provide evidence-based, compassionate care for depression and co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our team of certified clinicians and psychiatric professionals offers:
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: We specialize in treating depression that co-occurs with addiction, addressing both conditions simultaneously for lasting recovery.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: We utilize proven modalities like CBT and DBT to help individuals reframe negative thought patterns, build coping skills, and regulate intense emotions.
- A Supportive Community: Our programs offer individual, group, and family therapy, fostering a community of support that combats isolation and helps loved ones heal together.
You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone
Watching a loved one struggle with depression can feel like an isolating battle, but you are not alone. There is hope, and there is help. This is a moment for courage, both for you and for the person you love. The best way to help them is to show them that they are seen, heard, and cared for.If you’re concerned about a loved one, take the first step toward getting them help. Contact Serenity at Summit New Jersey today for a confidential assessment.
