Regardless of type or origin of depression, as a spouse you are in a unique position to notice changes in your mate's mood, behavior and thinking patterns which could be symptoms of depression. Personality plays a role in the manifestation of any type of depression and you have a better understanding of your partner's personality than anyone. Use this exceptional perspective to notice significant changes that could be symptoms of depression in a spouse.
Sexual Symptoms
Sex drive typically diminishes during depression. There is not enough research to identify specifically why this occurs, but it is known that a sudden and drastic decrease in sex drive may signal depression. Lack of libido is thought to be the indirect result of the effects of depression on other functions. For example, the sleep disturbances that accompany depression can sap the energy and interest needed for sex.
Appetite Changes
The appetite changes which occur in depression are sometimes mistaken for eating disorders. Although depression and other psychiatric problems occur frequently with eating disorders, the distinguishing factor is appetite changes. Those with eating disorders retain their usual appetite, while in depression, a significant shift occurs---either a dramatic increase or decrease in appetite which affects weight. Your spouse might express an awareness of the appetite change and express a desire to regulate it. He might also be concerned about the weight change, expressing a desire to lose or gain weight in order to get back to an optimal healthy weight.
Sleep Disruptions
Disturbed sleep is one of the most common symptoms of depression. It usually manifests in the earliest stages, prior to the onset of other depression symptoms. Sleep disturbances can be characterized by early-rising, difficulty falling asleep, episodic waking in the night, and excessive over-sleeping. These sleep disturbances may manifest as one type, and later transform into another. Although there is a strong correlation between depression and excessive over-sleeping, this is not always the case. For example, your spouse may instead experience difficulty falling asleep and waking during the night.
Hopelessness
Possibly the most serious symptom of depression is the feeling of hopelessness that is often linked to increased suicide risk. Your spouse might express despair and self-loathing. Talk about suicide should always be taken seriously. Noticing these changes in your spouse is a sign to seek medical care right away.
References
- American Psychological Association; The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; 2000.
- Daniel A. Araoz & Marie A. Carrese; Solution-Oriented Brief Therapy for Adjustment Disorders; 1995.
- Dr. Martin Seligman; What you Can Change and What you Can't; 2007.
