Depression in acne sufferers

Depression is common amongst acne sufferers. How do you know if you or someone you care about is suffering from depression and needing help?

Look out for the following signs:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, self reproach.
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down.
• Increase use of alcohol and drugs.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
• Restlessness, irritability and/or hostility.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.
• Deterioration of social relationships.

Adolescents can also display the following symptoms:

• declining school performance
• extreme behaviour and mood change (persistent depression)
• being snappy and easily annoyed
• risk-taking behaviour
• drug or alcohol use
• social withdrawal (avoiding friends or retreating to the bedroom)
• a break in a key relationship

Read more:
How is depression treated?