Depression in People with Developmental Disabilities

Depression can be easily missed in individuals with mental and/or developmental disabilities. This is often due to communication difficulties or atypical symptoms of depression. In some cases, its symptoms may not be recognized as an illness on its own and may instead be perceived as part of a person’s disability.

However, depression is one of the most common mental health problems for people with disabilities. To address its symptoms, mental health services in Minnesota are necessary. As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day in September, we will discuss the major signs of depression in individuals with developmental disabilities:

• Anxiety
  Anxiety is commonly experienced with depression and includes fearful thoughts and worries. It may be accompanied by bodily sensations like sweating, chest pain, and nausea. It is also common for people to experience anxiety attacks.
• Social Withdrawal
  Often, individuals with depression will avoid social interactions and will not interact the same way they used to before experiencing depression. This can appear as declining invites to social activities or not interacting with their living services care providers in the same way.
• Obsessional thoughts
  These include compulsive behaviors that can be noticed in people suffering from depression for the first time. These may include repetitive behaviors that may be linked to past traumatic experiences. When depressed, these behaviors often become more frequent and intense.

Primus Incorporated offers healthcare services in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. With our goal of providing housing and support for individuals with mental and/or developmental disabilities, we help them thrive in a quality living environment. Call us to learn more about how we can help.