Q: Depression often causes changes to someone's sleep cycle. Someone with depression may struggle to sleep or sleep excessively. It can be hard to know about someone else's sleep schedule, but listen for any details they share or any changes in behavior that indicate sleep issues.  The easiest way to know about sleep changes is if someone shares the information with you. Someone may, say, complain about not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much. Behavioral changes can also alert you to changes in sleep habits. If someone seems groggy or off during the day, they may be struggling to sleep. If a roommate, romantic partner, or family member suddenly seems to be sleeping a lot, they may be depressed. Keep in mind, many factors, including physical ailments, can lead to a change in sleep habits. Look for long term changes in sleep habits that occur alongside other symptoms of depression. People with depression may eat excessively to cope with the stress. They may also not have an appetite and, as a result, eat less.  If someone is overeating, you may notice them snacking more frequently and eating larger meals. For example, your roommate may suddenly order take out several times a day. If someone is under-eating, they may frequently skip meals. You may notice, for example, a co-worker suffering from depression stops eating lunch. Substance abuse can be a major indicator of depression. While not all people suffering from depression develop substance abuse problems, many do. It's not uncommon for a person experiencing depression to start drinking heavily or using other recreational drugs.  If you live with someone who is depressed, you may notice them using substances more often. For example, your roommate starts drinking most nights, including nights before classes. You may also notice a co-worker or friend relying on substances more. A co-worker may suddenly take frequent smoke breaks. A friend may want to go out drinking very frequently and usually drink to excess. Due to changes in appetite and activity levels, changes in weight are not uncommon if someone is suffering from depression. This is often the easiest symptom to notice. Depression can cause as much as a 5% change in body weight in a month's time. With depression, someone may lose or gain weight. If you notice someone has put on or lost weight recently, and this comes alongside other symptoms, this person may very well have depression.
A: Pay attention to sleep changes. Note changes in appetite. Consider a person's use of drugs or alcohol. Look for changes in weight.

Q: Stalkers often feel as though they are in a relationship with their victims, and any contact the victims make with them is perceived as validation of their “relationship,” which is nonexistent.  If you are being stalked, do not call, write to, or speak to your stalker in person if you can avoid it at all. Sometimes stalking victims yell at or talk to their stalkers, but even overt rudeness can be misconstrued by stalkers (who are frequently mentally disturbed) as communication of affection or interest. If you are being stalked online, do not respond in any way to any messages, regardless of how angry you become. Just print them for evidence and leave the computer. If a stalker does not have personal information about you such as your phone number, home address, or email address, do not let them find it.  Do not give your home phone number aloud to anyone in public places. If you find that you must provide a phone number, try using a work phone instead, or writing the number down then shredding it. Avoid putting your home address in writing. In cases of extreme stalking, you may want to get a PO Box for your mailing address so that it's less likely that you will need to provide anyone with your home address. Do not share your home address or place of work online or on social media. This may give an online stalker the opportunity to find you in person. In cases of repeated stalking or stalkers with a history of violence, you may be able to get an order of protection which legally requires the stalker to stay away from you. Be aware, however, that this could potentially anger the stalker and push him to violence. In very extreme cases of potentially violent stalking, you may decide to move to a new place. If you do so, you may want to consult an organization such as a battered women's shelter for tips about how to make yourself truly disappear.  Do not have your mail forwarded directly to your new home. Be careful when registering to vote in a new place. You can request anonymous registration. If you purchase property, your name may be on the public record as the land's owner.  Sometimes these records are tied to searchable databases, so you may want to rent to remain more anonymous.
A:
Avoid contact with your stalker. Avoid unintentional signs or messages. Hide your personal information. Get a protective order. Move to an undisclosed location.