THOSE with a dreary voice are more likely to be suffering with depression, experts have revealed.
German researchers found people with a wider vocal range were more likely to be extroverted and happier with life.
GettyAge-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis). Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, comes on gradually as a person gets older. Woman with hearing difficulties.[/caption]
While those with a flat monotonous voice were more likely to be experiencing depression.
It comes as fresh data suggest one in six Brits are depressed.
Statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found the rate of depression among over 16s is higher than before the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.
In some tragic cases, depression can lead to suicide.
According to the Depression and Biploar Support Alliance, those who suffer with depression are 20 per cent more likely to take their own lives, than those without the disease.
In the study, published in the Journal of Voice, the team analysed the voices of over 2000 people between the ages of 19-80 to see what their voices revealed about their physical and mental wellbeing.
The researchers found the voice can be a strong indicator or mental health, with those who’s voices have less range “significantly” more likely to be unhappy.
While, someone’s voice indicates little about the physical health of a person, they discovered.
Depression… the signs to look out for
There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide.
But it’s vital to know that they won’t always be obvious.
While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna Fraser of the Samaritans told The Sun.
These are the key signs to watch out for in not just your loved ones, but yourself too…
A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
Appearing more tearful
Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example ‘Oh, no one loves me’, or ‘I’m a waste of space’
Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don’t matter
For help and support on depression and suicide, contact Samaritans on 116 123.