Symptoms of Extreme Depression
It's normal to feel sad or "down in the dumps" at times. Depression is a serious illness that requires treatment.
Antidepressants, as well as other medications -- can help change the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes depression. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can also improve depression symptoms. It can require time and some trial to find the right treatment and medication for you.
1. Loss of interest in activities
The loss of interest in things you usually like is one of the main signs of depression. Depression can make people feel so overwhelmed that they lose interest in going out, being with other people, or participating in activities. This is a sign you are suffering from severe depression. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression is important to seek help as soon as you can.
Depression can cause someone to feel that they are not worth living for. This can trigger feelings such as hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. Anyone who is experiencing these feelings needs to seek help immediately and get in touch with an expert in mental health, a minister or someone in their faith community. If they are in danger of self-harming or have attempted suicide, they must call 911 or the emergency number for their local area.
Although everyone experiences feelings like sadness and feeling "down in the lows" at times, a doctor may diagnose depression if symptoms are present for a majority of the day day for more than 2 weeks and result in a significant change in the day-to-day functioning. A blood test or X scan cannot be used to prove depression. However doctors can run tests to rule out other medical conditions that have similar symptoms. This includes hypothyroidism and certain medications.
There is no single reason for depression however, research suggests that there are changes in the brain areas which control mood, and these changes are triggered by a variety of factors. These factors include life experiences, genetics and the way in which nerve cells communicate within the brain. Certain forms of depression seem to be inherited from families.
The symptoms of depression are different for women and men, and teenagers. Depending on the severity of symptoms, a physician or mental health professional can prescribe antidepressants and/or psychotherapy in order to treat depression. In certain instances, other medicines and/or supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, St. John's wort or exercise may be beneficial.
2. Feelings of despair
When depression is severe, feelings of hopelessness can be very intense. In fact, they can cause someone to lose interest in activities that normally provide pleasure and lead to thoughts of suicide. While the majority of people suffering from depression are not able to commit suicide, these thoughts could be dangerous to those who do not seek treatment.
Although the symptoms of severe depression can seem like they encompass you but they typically ease with time and treatment. In some cases, though the symptoms may be so severe that they are considered an emergency. In this situation it is essential to seek out help from a loved-one or a medical professional or a crisis hotline.
There are a variety of types of depression. They all involve a depressed mood that interferes in regular activities and relationships. These kinds of feelings are not like feeling blue or depressed. They last for a long time and affect the way you behave and think. This kind of depression can cause people to have trouble sleeping, change their appetite, or have trouble thinking clearly.
The symptoms of depression may be physical, such as discomfort and aches, fatigue or changes in the size of the face (abnormal weight loss). Do not hesitate to seek out help in the event that you experience any of these symptoms.
Depression can have a devastating impact on the lives of people and their families. In contrast to other illnesses, like cancer or the flu, there is no blood test or examination that can prove a diagnosis of depression. Doctors diagnose depression according to the patient's symptoms and the impact they have on their daily life.
In order to prevent depression from returning, you can note down your daily feelings to identify warning symptoms. You can also inform your family and friends on depression so that they can identify when you are experiencing an episode of depression. You should also stay in touch with family and friends who are supportive. You should also avoid alcohol and other drugs which can worsen the symptoms of depression. Consider joining a support group or seeking therapy.
3. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
Depression can be a problem for anyone of any age. It can strike at any time of year and affects women twice as frequently as men. Depression can vary in severity and manifestations. It is essential to consult a psychiatrist or a medical professional if you are having feelings of depression. They can help you deal with the signs and symptoms and provide the treatment you need.
Feelings of guilt or desperation are often a sign of depression that is severe. They can be extremely difficult to cope with and can have a negative effect on your life. These emotions can make it difficult to work, study or simply just enjoy your life. They can also lead to thoughts of suicide. If you're having these thoughts, call a suicide hotline right away or consult an expert counselor.
The signs and symptoms of depression may include feeling sad or depressed throughout the day and not being motivated to do the things you normally enjoy, sleeping too much or insufficiently eating more or less, irritability, memory problems, and experiencing a change in sleep patterns. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like aches and pains, tiredness, weight changes or an tingling sensation in the arms or hands.
Certain people suffering from fibromyalgia (which causes chronic fatigue and muscle pain) also suffer from depression. This could be due to an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain that causes changes in mood. Depression may be related to other medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease.
Many people are unaware that they have a depression problem and continue to suffer without receiving the treatment they need. This can lead to more severe issues, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you should speak to a family or friend member, a health care professional or a religious leader as soon as you can. They can help you find the right treatment for you and can support you through your recovery. They can also recommend resources to help you through a depression episode.
4. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness persist
Depression goes beyond feeling sad or "down in the downs" for several days. It is a serious mental health problem that affects people in various ways and can make it difficult to take pleasure in their work, life or relationships with friends and family. If you're experiencing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness that last for more than 2 weeks, talk to your health care provider.
If you're depressed, there are things you can do to get better. The most important thing is to make a move towards treatment as soon as possible. This is particularly true when you are suffering from severe symptoms. Depression can cause a number of symptoms that can impact your daily life. These include difficulty working or at home sleep issues and changes in appetite, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain.
The symptoms of depression differ from person to person, but the American Psychiatric Association states that feelings of hopelessness or lack of worth are common in those who suffer from this disease. Depression can also trigger feelings of guilt or shame that can intensify these negative emotions. These feelings may be caused by depression or as a method of coping, but they shouldn't be taken lightly.
It is vital to keep in mind that depression can appear like other illnesses and medical conditions such as thyroid problems or medications. It is best to consult a doctor for a diagnosis, to determine if there are other possible causes. It is also beneficial to keep a journal of how you feel day-to-day to be able to recognize warning signs that depression could be resurfacing or worsening. Having a supportive network of friends and family can help you through difficult times. You can also incorporate self-care into your routine by writing, going for an outing, or cooking a healthy meal. These little steps or what Cassell calls "micro" steps, can improve moods and help reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair.