Recognising the Signs of Depression

Signs of Depression for Coaches

Coaches often work with clients who may exhibit signs of depression, though they aren’t mental health professionals.

It’s essential for coaches to be aware of common signs of depression and know when to refer clients to a licensed mental health professional.

Here’s a guide to help: Common Signs of Depression: 

1. Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: • Clients may consistently express feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. They might appear tearful or report feeling numb.

2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure: • A noticeable disinterest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable. Clients might express that nothing seems to bring them joy anymore. Social isolation. Clients not wanting to go out or withdraw from attending places.

3. Fatigue or Low Energy: • Constant tiredness, regardless of how much rest they get. Clients may describe feeling drained or lacking the energy to perform daily tasks.

4. Changes in Sleep Patterns: • Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping). Clients might report difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up during the night or very early.

5. Changes in Appetite or Weight: • Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite. Some clients might lose interest in food, while others might overeat for comfort.

6. Difficulty Concentrating: • Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details. Clients may describe their minds as “foggy” or unable to stay on track.

7. Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: • Excessive self-blame, feelings of inadequacy, or a sense of being a burden to others. Clients might frequently criticise themselves.

8. Physical Symptoms: • Complaints of physical issues like headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain that have no clear medical cause.

9. Irritability or Restlessness: • Clients may become easily frustrated, agitated, or restless. This might manifest as snapping at others or a sense of unease and reacting easily.

10. Thoughts of Death or Suicide: • Expressions of suicidal thoughts, hopelessness about the future, or talking about death or harming themselves or others.

This is a serious red flag that requires immediate attention. 

When to Recommend Professional Mental Health Support 

• Severity of Symptoms: If the client is exhibiting multiple signs of depression that are severe and impairing their daily functioning, it’s crucial to recommend they see a mental health professional.

• Duration: If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, particularly if they are worsening, it’s a sign that the client may need professional help.

• Suicidal Thoughts: If a client expresses suicidal thoughts or behaviours of harming self, immediate intervention from a mental health professional is necessary.

Ensure they have access to crisis resources and do not leave them alone if you are in direct contact.

• Inability to Cope: If a client mentions that they feel unable to cope with their emotions, life circumstances, or if their mental state is impacting their work, relationships, or other important areas of life, it’s time to refer them.

• Lack of Progress: If, despite coaching efforts, the client shows no improvement or even deteriorates, it may indicate underlying mental health issues that require professional treatment.

How to Approach the Conversation 

1. Express Concern: Use non-judgmental language to express your observations. For example, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down for a while, and I’m concerned about how this is affecting you.”

2. Normalise Seeking Help: Reassure the client that seeking professional support is a positive step, not a sign of weakness. “It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and a therapist can offer the specialised support that you need right now.”

3. Provide Resources: Offer information on how they can find a therapist or counsellor. If possible, have a list of referrals or resources ready.

4. Support, Don’t Diagnose: Remember, your role as a coach is to support, not diagnose.

Focus on the observable behaviours and the client’s experience rather than trying to label their condition.

By recognising these signs and knowing when to refer clients, coaches can play a critical role in their clients’ mental health journey while staying within the boundaries of their professional expertise.