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How to tell if your loved one is depressed

Around one in 10 people suffer from depression and anxiety, meaning it’s likely at some stage in your life someone you know will be suffering and need your help. These are five of the less-obvious signs and symptoms that a friend or family member might be going through a hard time. 1. They seem exhausted all the time Changes to a sleeping patterns can be a sign of depression, whether it’s not sleeping enough or sleeping too much. Tip: Help your loved one by taking them out for the day to re-set their body clock. 2. They never want to socialise anymore If your loved one is finding it difficult to leave the house and attend any social events, even for a catch-up over coffee, that they would normally enjoy, it could be a sign Tip: Recognise that at the time it is very hard for your loved one to go out and socialise. Reassure them that you’d love to catch-up with them, and if it does get too much that you’re happy to do something they’d be happy with. 3. They get frustrated at everything Does your loved one seem to be losing their patience more than usual? Anger and irritability, more than usual, can be a sign of depression. Tip: Chat to your friend about their feelings of frustration and irritability. You will be better placed to see if it’s a passing mood or longer-term change. 4. Their appetite has changed Whether your loved one is constantly and consistently “not hungry” or they’re eating a lot more than usual and gaining weight, changes in appetite are a common sign of depression. Tip: People living with depression are often exhausted, where the thought of making meals or even what to eat, can be an overwhelming decision. Help prepare some meals for your loved one. 5. They’ve suddenly lost self-confidence A loss of self-confidence and self-esteem is a common sign of depression. When a loved one starts to feel like everything they do is rubbish, it can be difficult to feel otherwise. Tip: When a loved one says they feel useless, reassure them with specific examples and evidence that it’s not true at all. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

4 signs your body is trying to tell you something

Have you noticed any odd changes in your body? Perhaps your nails have become more brittle lately, or you’ve started to get cracks on the corners of your mouth. These small signs might seem insignificant, but they are your body’s way of signalling that a change has occurred. Here are some of the key signs that your body is trying to tell you something: Burping and indigestion Find yourself burping or struggling with indigestion more than usual? It could be a sign that you’re low on stomach acid. If your body is low on stomach acid, you won’t digest foods efficiently, especially those heavy in fat and protein. As digestion slows, food sits in the stomach along with the air you naturally swallow when you eat. The longer food stays in the stomach, the more likely you’ll burp. Yellow spots around your eyes Discoloured spots around your eyes and elbows can be a sign that your cholesterol levels are raised. It’s a condition known as xanthelasma, which can be your body’s way of telling you that your diet or exercise routine is amiss. Be sure to consult a doctor if you need to check your cholesterol. A routine blood test will be able to give you the answer, and you can talk to your doctor about what lifestyle changes will help. Itchy feet Summertime often means more visits to the pool or time exercising outdoors. But sweaty trainers and damp feet can also lead to an increase in fungal infections. If you notice your feet are itchy, take a closer look at the skin. If it’s white and flaking off, or simply damp between the toes you may have a fungal infection. Head to the pharmacist for an anti-fungal cream to clear it up, stat. Cracks in the corners of your mouth Small cracks in the skin at the corner of your mouth is often a sign that your body isn’t getting enough B vitamins. If your diet is high in refined and processed foods- think soft drink, pastries and pasta- B vitamins are often the first to take a hit. The answer? Opt for a diet high in whole foods. Try eating more grains, legumes, salmon and red meat, all foods high in B vitamins. If in doubt, always contact a healthcare professional. Related links: <a href="../health/wellbeing/2015/10/how-to-lose-weight-after-60/">How to lose weight after 60</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/how-to-stay-asleep/">5 tips to stay asleep all night</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/best-outdoor-exercise-options/">The best ways to exercise outdoors</a> Image credit: Shutterstock

Body

Sufferers of high-functioning depression could have these four symptoms

1. They may be relying more on vices of choice That might mean drinking more alcohol than usual, taking drugs, eating more ice cream, or playing more video games – whatever behaviour serves as an emotional crutch. “If you’re feeling sad or lonely or otherwise ‘off,’ you may drink more wine more often to cover it up,” Dr Landau says. “This kind of self-medicating is especially troubling because substance abuse adds an extra layer of care that you need.” In addition to being addictive, drugs and alcohol especially can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep problems, further hindering people’s abilities to cope. Watch out for <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/8-silent-signs-stress-is-making-you-sick">these 8 signs stress is making you sick</a>. 2. They’re a successful, Type A personality Affluent, educated people are, surprisingly, more likely to have high-functioning depression.” The paradox of high-functioning depression is that these are very often people who are educated and have important jobs,” Dr Stamper says. “They have the benefit of education and status, yet often their careers can be huge stressors.” Dr Landau says she works mostly with women whose lives and list of personal accomplishments is long and impressive. “In some ways, you’re better off as a low-functioning person,” she says, “because high-functioning people often don’t allow themselves to have all the necessary support.” Consider suggesting <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/10-habits-people-who-never-get-stressed">these 10 habits of people who never get stressed.</a>. 3. They’re pretty grouchy Irritability is another common symptom of high-functioning depression, and it’s especially problematic for women, according to Dr Landeau. “People are more likely to see an irritable woman as a ‘bitch,’ rather than showing concern, like, ‘Hey, you don’t seem the same lately. Are you okay?” she says. Because women are conditioned at an early age to be less assertive and to suppress “troublesome” emotions like anger, more subtle symptoms like irritability can be missed. Consider that some one in four women have been, or will be, depressed at least once in their lives, according to Landau, and irritability may be the chief sign. These <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/16-science-backed-ways-to-overcome-depression-naturally/">science-backed ways to overcome depression naturally</a> are worth sharing. 4. There is a family history Experts agree that knowing your family’s history is essential for predicting and diagnosing depression. Studies show that the more relatives you have who have been diagnosed with mood disorders or drug or alcohol dependence, the more likely it is that you will too. “Knowing your genetics and family history can be enormously helpful,” says Dr Riba. Life changes and stress can trigger your biological predisposition to depression, so knowing your history can help you not only predict, but shape, your future. Written by Brook Bolen. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/signs-your-loved-one-could-have-high-functioning-depression">Reader’s Digest</a>. Find more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="https://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Mind

6 pains you should never ignore

There are some pains that will go away with time and rest, and then there are other pains you should never ever ignore. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor – ASAP. 1. Tooth pain that wakes you up It could be teeth grinding, and frequent grinding could cause nerve inflammation within the tooth and the protective enamel to wear away. See your dentist to find the root of the problem. 2. “Thunderclap” headache If you experience head pain that is sudden and severe (and accompanied with dizziness and blurred vision) call emergency services. It could be an aneurysm and quick action is necessary. 3. Dull stomach pain that gets stronger as it moves lower If the pain gets more intense over a 24-hour period as it moves to the right of your stomach, go straight to the doctor. It might be appendicitis and if it is, you’re likely going to need surgery. A burst appendix can be dangerous. 4. Back pain and fever Don’t just attribute a fever, nausea and back pain to a stomach bug. If left untreated, it could develop into a kidney infection. It’s best to see your doctor to work out the cause of your symptoms. 5. Tender spot on calves A small painful area on your legs could be deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins. DVT is most likely if you’ve recently taken a car or long pain ride. If your leg is very swollen and the pain getting worst, see your doctor immediately. If it’s not, you can wait a day but don’t put it off as the blood clot could increase in size. 6. Unexplained ache between your shoulder blades This could be a heart attack. Inexplicable pain between the shoulder blades is more common in women, as are jaw pain, shortness of breath and nausea. If you have these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/2015/12/fast-moves-to-slow-down-ageing/">Fast moves to slow down ageing</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/11/one-thing-holding-you-back-in-meditation/">This one thing could be holding you back in your meditation</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2015/11/how-to-improve-your-memory-as-you-age/">How to improve your memory as you age</a>

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How to tell if your loved one is depressed

4 signs your body is trying to tell you something

Sufferers of high-functioning depression could have these four symptoms

6 pains you should never ignore

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Health

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Entertainment

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How to tell if your loved one is depressed

4 signs your body is trying to tell you something

Sufferers of high-functioning depression could have these four symptoms

6 pains you should never ignore

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