Signs of Severe Depression

Understanding Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition. It varies in severity. Mild cases may cause sadness, irritability, anger, and fatigue. These symptoms can last for weeks or longer. They often interfere with daily life and relationships.

Severe depression has intense symptoms. These may include significant appetite loss, weight loss, and sleep problems. Some people experience frequent thoughts of death or suicide. Severe depression can be paralyzing. It's crucial to seek treatment if you notice these warning signs.

Symptoms of Severe Depression

Common symptoms of severe depression include:

- Trouble sleeping (insomnia): People with depression struggle more with sleep than others. Worries can keep you awake at night, worsening sadness.

- Sleeping too much: Some use sleep to escape feelings. You might stay in bed longer than usual due to fatigue without physical reasons.

- Irritability: Grumpiness or anger is common in children and teens with depression. Irritability during sadness likely indicates depression.

- Loss of interest: Anhedonia means not enjoying activities you once loved. Scientists are unsure why this happens but it may relate to low dopamine levels.

- Hopelessness: Feeling hopeless can worsen depression and increase suicide risk. Those who feel hopeless may avoid treatment or stop therapy.

- Persistent worry: Normal worry becomes excessive in depression, leading to anxiety and deeper sadness.

- Thoughts of death or suicide: While most depressed individuals don’t think about suicide, feelings of worthlessness can lead some to consider it. If you have such thoughts, seek help immediately by calling 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

- Inability to care for yourself: Depression may make daily tasks like eating or bathing feel overwhelming.

- Psychotic symptoms: Rarely, severe depression leads to hallucinations or delusions—seeing things that aren’t there or believing false ideas.

Symptoms in Teens

Depression can manifest differently in teens:

- Irritability and aggression
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Physical complaints like headaches
- Threatening to run away from home
- Sensitivity to criticism
- Substance use

Physical Symptoms

Some physical symptoms may not be obvious:

- Constipation
- Unexplained aches like backaches
- Low sex drive
- Weight changes
- Slower movement or speech

Risk Factors for Suicide

Not everyone with risk factors will attempt suicide. Risk factors include:

- Current or past substance abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Chronic pain or serious illness
- Long-term stress from various sources
- History of childhood trauma
- Access to methods for attempting suicide

Getting Help

If you've experienced depressive symptoms almost every day for two weeks, talk to your doctor or a mental health provider like a psychiatrist or therapist. Seek help sooner if your symptoms are severe. A diagnosis allows you to start treatment and relieve your symptoms.