Depression can be a dangerous mental state. If someone you know is experiencing depression, it is important to report it to a counselor. Here are three ways to identify depression.

1. Sleeping habits – When someone is depressed, he usually sleeps for extended periods of time, sometimes not leaving the bed for days, skipping activities such as work or social obligations. This lack of desire to get up can often be associated with depression.

2. Eating habits – Eating habits can increase or decrease during depression. They can either refuse to eat, or use food as a substitute to compensate for the depression. This is usually an extreme case, in which binging or anorexia may be taking place.

3. Social habits – Participation in social activities is usually significantly reduced. Combined with excessive sleeping, a lack of activity with friends in family can be a strong sign of depression.