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When we experience mental health struggles, it can sometimes take a toll on our relationships, academics, work performance and overall quality of life. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.  

Here are six signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore (and where to find support). 

1. Difficulty getting out of bed

It’s perfectly normal to enjoy sleeping in or spending time in bed. However, if it has become difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed or get ready in the morning, this could be a sign of depression. Depression can make us feel fatigued, both physically and mentally, to the point where even small tasks, like waking up or showering, can feel exhausting or difficult.  

2. Changes in sleep

The physical and mental exhaustion that comes with depression can also affect our sleep, which can show up in a variety of ways. This can look like sleeping throughout the day, using sleep to pass the time or choosing sleep over other daily activities.  

However, you may also experience bouts of insomnia, which can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep at night. This can create a cycle where our anxious thoughts keep us up or disrupt our sleep, which can in turn lead to more anxious thoughts.  

3. Changes in appetite

Depression can affect our appetite and eating habits. Some people may experience increased hunger, while others may have less of an appetite or not be hungry at all. If you notice changes in your sleep habits, like the ones listed above, you may also notice changes in the way you eat. This is because sleep helps regulate our hunger hormones, which helps our bodies avoid over- or under-eating.  

4. Persistent irritability or mood swings

When someone is struggling with depression, changes in mood can switch at a moment’s notice. One second, we may be angry, the next we’re crying or shutting down. Sometimes these changes can be triggered by small or insignificant challenges, while other times they may be completely unprovoked. If you notice a pattern of irritability, outbursts or quick changes in mood for more than a few days, it may be linked to depression.  

5. Difficulty experiencing joy or connection

When we’re depressed, it can take all the joy out of things we used to love and make it harder to connect with others. We may begin to lose interest in hobbies, friendships, schoolwork, extracurriculars, sex or life in general. In some cases, people may isolate themselves from close friends, family members or others who care about them, which can perpetuate feelings of hopelessness or loneliness and symptoms of depression. 

6. Self-harm and self-injury

Depression and anxiety can create overwhelming emotions, and some people may turn to self-harm in search of relief. Typically, when someone engages in self-harm behaviors, they do not do it with the intention of dying by suicide, but rather a way to manage painful emotions. 

Self-harm can take many forms and vary from person to person. Some examples include damaging one’s skin (cutting, burning, scratching or carving), hitting or punching oneself, piercing one’s skin with sharp objects, picking or reopening wounds and banging one’s head or body into other surfaces like a wall or door.  

Because self-harm and self-injury are highly stigmatized, it can be difficult for people who self-harm to seek out support. However, there are supportive and confidential services available on campus, including counseling, recovery groups and more. 

If you notice a roommate, friend, coworker or classmate experiencing any of these symptoms, here are a few things you can do to help.