When it’s more than just the winter blues

If you’re feeling sad right now, you’re not alone. For many, this time of year can come with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, financial worries, and a whole lot of stress.  

But what if these feelings linger post-celebration? Well, it could be a sign of depression.  

Depression is defined as when “people have a sad or low mood and have a lack of interest in their usual activities most of the time over the course of two weeks to a month,” says Dennis M. Popeo, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.  

Plus, depression is more common than you might think, explains Laura Bonomo, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and founder and clinical director of Abridged Psychology. In fact, it’s the top psychiatric disorder worldwide, with the National Institute of Mental Health noting that millions of Americans may suffer from winter-related depression, although many may not know it. 

While it’s uncertain exactly what causes depression, it’s likely a combination of genetics, thinking patterns, life stressors, and your individual brain chemistry. In the darkest months of the year, lack of sunlight can cause brain changes that lead to depression. And the unrealistic expectations that come with the holidays can lead to stress and sadness too.  

The good news? Knowing the signs of depression can help you or a loved one get treatment and feel whole again. Here’s how to spot depression in older adults, adults, teenagers, and children.  

Older adults (ages 60 and up) 

The World Health Organization says that 7 percent of older adults worldwide are depressed, while the National Alliance on Mental Illness says that about 18.5 percent of older adults in the United States have depression (about 6.5 million people).  

Dr. Popeo says that many people mischaracterize depression as a normal part of getting older, but it is important to point out that depression is not a normal part of aging.  

Some signs of depression to look out for, in yourself or loved ones, include: 

• Feeling hopeless and helpless 
• Showing up to the doctor’s office multiple times with a vague idea that something is wrong (this is usually depression or anxiety) 
• Anxiety (“For older adults, anxiety and depression may walk hand in hand,” Dr. Popeo says.) 
• Confusion and attention issues (which can look like Alzheimer’s or another brain disorder) 
• Aches and pains (like headaches, cramps, and digestive problems) 
• Frequent crying 

Some symptoms may overlap with other mental or physical issues, like dementia or chronic pain. In addition, some symptoms might be signs of a different health issue. It’s important to talk with your doctor about any differences you are feeling or noticing with yourself. 

Adults (ages 18 to 59) 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021 8.3 percent of U.S. adults, or 21 million people ages 18 and older, reported having at least one episode of depression during the previous 12 months. 

If you or someone you know has five or more of the symptoms below, including a depressed mood or loss of interest, depression might be at the root of the cause.  

Some signs of depression to look out for in yourself or in loved ones, include: 

• A depressed mood for most of the day, almost every day, for two weeks  
• Loss of interest/pleasure (no longer interested in what you used to enjoy, and this may include withdrawal from friends) 
• Fluctuations in appetite or weight 
• Change in sleep patterns (too little or too much, not feeling rested, and not being able to get out of bed in the morning) 
• Being fatigued and not having energy (and having trouble starting or completing things) 
• Restlessness and agitation, or sluggishness 
• Feeling worthless or excessive guilt (including feeling inadequate, inferior, and like a failure) 
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, remembering things, and making decisions 

Bonomo says that while people might seem to have low energy if depressed, they may also react in the opposite way. “Adults with depression might load up their schedules with activities and always be busy, even overscheduled.” This is because if they have even a minute to breathe, they might notice their symptoms and would rather ignore them by staying busy.

Why is it important to get treated? 

Adults with depression may withdraw and isolate themselves. Left alone to ruminate on negative thoughts, they can become isolated or lost in their own thoughts and feelings, with little energy for anyone, including caring for themselves and seeking help. 

Teenagers (ages 12 to 17)  

Teens with depression often exhibit many of the same symptoms that children experience.

Some signs of depression to look out for in teenagers may include: 

• A change in their friend group (or withdrawing from friends) 
• Difficulty making decisions 
• Thoughts of death or suicide, and even attempts of suicide (this can go hand-in-hand with an obsession with morbid-themed music and literature) 
• Self-hatred or sadness 
• A lower inclination to take care of themselves, hygienically and appearance-wise 
• Increased isolation from family 
• Use of alcohol or other drugs 

Why is it important to get treated? 

Teenagers might try to cope with their depression in harmful ways, such as with drug use, unprotected sex, and alcohol, says Bonomo. Additionally, in a depressed mindset, people search for others who confirm what they’re feeling. “They tend to gravitate toward other kids who have those same tendencies,” Bonomo says, “feeding off the other’s negativity and depressed mood.” 

Children (ages 6 to 12) 

Depression symptoms can be different in children than adults. Bonomo says to look out for evidence of all-or-nothing types of thinking, such as statements like “I can’t do anything right” or “No one likes me.”  

Symptoms of depression for your child could include: 

• Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy 
• Irritability, which can appear as annoyed, grouchy, or bothered by everything 
• A drastic change in weight or appetite 
• Too much or too little sleep, and waking or sleeping at unusual hours 
• Always feeling tired and agitated 
• Difficulty starting or finishing something 
• Difficulty in school, paying attention, concentrating, and remembering things 
• Feeling inadequate or like a failure, or blaming themselves 
• Running away from home 
• Thoughts of death or suicide, and talk of and even attempts of suicide, which are often viewed as accidents 

Children experiencing depression may also show signs of frequent boredom and have angry outbursts and temper tantrums, leading them to not play well with others. 

Why is it important to get treated? 

“Depressed children are often irritable, and this can lead to a disruption in family life, causing stress in the house,” Bonomo says. “Other family members may feel like they have to walk on eggshells around the child, which can affect sibling relationships.” 

“More importantly, left untreated, depression [at its most extreme] can result in a child physically hurting or killing themselves,” Bonomo adds. “Negative thinking can become a habit. Providing your child with treatment can help with the development of realistic, healthier thinking styles, help with friendship issues, and set your child up for a happier and less emotionally turbulent life.” 

If you or a loved one is depressed, the first step to feeling better is talking to your doctor about your mood, sleep habits, or any other symptoms that may seem out of the ordinary. And remember, don’t be afraid to start that conversation. It may be just the thing you need to move in a more positive direction, one step at a time.  

You can also get help 24/7 via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of death, suicide, or harming yourself, don’t hesitate to call their hotline at 988. You can also text their Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741).