Danger signs

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Given that approximately half of all families will be affected by depression, it is important to learn to recognize the symptoms and signs of the disease.

You may detect depression when a family member changes in the following ways:

• Changes in his or her character
• Has dark thoughts about life
• May think and behave differently then normal

Concealing depression?

If someone in your family is depressed, they may try to hide their depression in a bid to avoid getting into trouble or because they are unwilling to admit to their feelings.

If that person is indeed depressed, his or her logical thought processes will not be normal. People who are depressed often have negative thoughts, which they feel are sensible and appropriate. He or she may also contemplate suicide on account of negative thoughts, such as:

• "I am a millstone round my family's neck"
• "The family would do much better without me"
• "My family doesn't understand or care"

If you suspect that the person in question may be suffering from depression, you could cautiously ask:

• "Do you feel depressed?"
• "Do you have negative thoughts?"

Sometimes you will get an honest answer. You can then gently discuss things, comment and try to assist the person to get help.

The depressed person might not have enough energy and drive to bring the subject up. You could therefore offer a helping hand and suggest treatment.