Q: How can I know when someone I care for is depressed?
A: Depression can stem from a variety of factors; a pre-genetic disposition, a traumatic experience, a loss, this pandemic has caused people to experience depression, physical and mental illness, and addiction to name a few. These factors can go unaddressed and even unnoticed as often people hide behind their depression as it doesn’t look like a physical condition such as a broken arm. Yet depression is important to treat before it spirals down. Depression is often suffered in silence.
With regard to your friend, ask how he/she is feeling and that you are there to support. There is help and suffering in silence is only detrimental and it does not have to be that way. Look for signs of withdrawal or changes in behavior. Suggest professional help and reassure his person he/she does not have to endure this alone.