People with a serious condition like heart failure are bound to feel very sad or down now and then. However, if these feelings persist and you notice that your partner or relative is not enjoying daily activities as they used to, or that your relationship is suffering, then this could be a sign of depression.
It is important to seek medical help for depression or anxiety as these conditions are often treatable. If left they can worsen your partner's condition and your overall health.
If you see some of the following symptoms in your partner or relative consistently for more than two weeks, then they may be depressed:
- down mood/feeling sad or blue
- more irritable than usual
- changes in appetite
- loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
- withdrawal from others
- excessive sleepiness or waking too early
- always tired/have no energy
- feeling worthless or guilty
- having a feeling of hopelessness
- thoughts of death and suicide
Your partner or relative may be overly anxious if they have any of thefollowing symptoms for more than two weeks:
- excessive worry
- fear
- showing more tension than usual
- restlessness
- feeling jumpy or shaky.
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