Blog entry by Violet Cobbett
Symptoms of Deep Depression
Depression that is severe can be more than just feeling "down in the downs" or feeling blue for just a few days. Depression is a serious condition that can affect your daily life, and cause feelings of despair or thoughts about suicide.
Treatment can help. Patients suffering from depression must adhere to their treatment plans including psychotherapy and medication (talk therapy).
1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
If you're suffering from depression, you may feel hopeless and feeling helpless. You may feel like you're not able to make things better or that your life will never get better, even if it's not the case. You don't need to be feeling this way for the rest of your life. Your feelings can change based on the treatment you receive.
You may also feel hopeless and helpless if you've been through emotional trauma. For instance, if were physically or emotionally hurt by someone you trusted, this can result in feelings of despair and helplessness. This could also occur when you've been in a abusive relationship or are struggling with addiction.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consult an expert in mental health to discuss these symptoms. They can conduct an exam for mental health and medical history to determine whether you're depressed. They can also refer you to an expert when needed.
A lot of people suffer from mixed emotions and physical symptoms, which are hard to tell apart. For instance, irritability and fatigue can both be signs of depression Recurrence of depression. You may also experience changes in your sleep patterns or appetite. Sometimes depression can cause pains and aches that are more common in women than men. Some people may also experience headaches or racing pulse. They may also feel tightened chest.
It's important to know that depression can be treated and it is possible to recover from this illness. If you are suffering from severe depression it is possible to receive residential treatment. This usually takes place in a hospital. You can also seek assistance by a therapist or a support group. It is important to call 911 or the crisis line in the event that you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
2. Feelings of worthlessness
Everyone experiences low points, but depression is more intense and can cause feelings of despair and desperation. These feelings can interfere with the school or work environment, parenting, and socializing. They may make it hard to focus and you might feel as if you don't contribute value to other people's lives.
Consult your physician in the event that you are experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks. A health care provider will determine whether you are depressed after an examination of your mental health and asking about your medical history. Certain illnesses, like certain kinds of viruses and thyroid disorders, can cause similar symptoms as depression, however the health professional can rule out other possible causes through tests and an interview.
Depression can also lead to physical problems. People suffering from depression may gain or lose weight, have difficulty concentrating and sleeping (including getting up too early signs of mental health issues or having difficulty falling asleep) or experience pain in their joints, back or stomach or experience changes in their appetite. Some people may also have difficulty recalling or thinking about things.
Depression affects people of all ages in a variety of ways. But it's more common in adults, and older adults are more susceptible to experiencing it differently than younger people. Instead of feeling depressed they might experience anger, sadness or even frustration. They may use alcohol or drugs to manage and may be less energetic than they normally do.
If you're struggling to cope with depression, try taking small steps to improve your life. Make sure you're sleeping enough, focus on self-care (including eating well and exercising) and connect with other people. Remember that depression isn't always your blame. It's often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
3. Feelings Of Guilt
Depression can be exacerbated by guilt, and vice the reverse. When you feel guilty for an action or thought it is possible to dwell on it until you begin to believe that you are insignificant. This could result in a self defeating compulsion of trying to make up for your guilt, further reinforcing feelings of guilt and worthlessness. These negative emotions are often mistaken for grief or bereavement. Both are normal reactions after a tragedy or loss.
People with depression may experience episodes of extreme energy and irritability, along with ideas that seem impossible to implement (this is known as mania). These episodes can be intense enough to make you lose touch with reality. They can be extremely painful.
Women are more prone to depression, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. depression symptoms in children can also be experienced by teens because of hormonal changes that affect mood and behavior.
It is important to understand that anxiety and depression often co-exist, and that a number of the treatments for anxiety also work for depression. It is important to recognize that psychotic symptoms such as delusions can sometimes complicate depression.
There are many factors that can increase your likelihood warning signs of depression developing depression such as having a family history of mental health problems and certain medications. A low vitamin D level is also associated with depression, as has the history of abuse and exposure to violence. Depression can be caused by major life events, such as the breakup of an intimate relationship, the death or loss of a loved one and financial problems.
4. Feelings of anger
Anger is a natural human emotion that shields us from harm. It triggers the body to release chemicals that help prepare us to fight or flee to ensure that we don't get injured. Anger can be useful in the sense that it encourages you to speak up for yourself and others. However, if it isn't controlled, anger can be destructive to relationships and careers. It can also make someone less curious and compassionate.
If you are suffering from depression anger could be a way for you to express yourself in a more powerful manner. It isn't a solution to the issue or make pain go away. In fact, it could cause more problems, like relationship difficulties and physical health issues.
Depression and sadness are normal emotions, especially when we have to deal with difficult events in our lives, such as a death, a job loss, or divorce. However, depression is different from being sad over a situation in that it lasts nearly every day, all day, for up to two weeks, and can interfere with everyday activities. It can also cause a loss in interest in previously enjoyed activities and an increase in appetite, or feelings like guilt and hopelessness. It can also cause difficulty thinking clearly, poor focus sleep disorders or even thoughts of suicidal thoughts.
Many people try to suppress their anger and only let it out when they are angry. However, bottled-up anger can cause depression, anxiety or even physical symptoms like headaches, backaches, or tense muscle. Similarly, expressing anger in unhealthy ways can be detrimental to your well-being and health. For example, drinking or driving when angry, hitting someone or shouting.
5. Feelings of devalued
The feeling of being unworthy is a typical feature of deep depression. When a person is depressed, they lose the ability to see positive aspects of their lives and are unable to accept or understand their own value as human beings. This is because depression can change the perspective of a person, shifting from one based on positive thoughts to one based on feelings of powerlessness and shame.
Everyone feels sad every now and then and especially when confronted with major life events or disappointments. If you're feeling sad frequently for a period of more than two weeks and the symptoms are affecting your daily routine it is possible that you are experiencing depression.
If you're struggling with severe depression, speak to your doctor immediately. You can get help with psychotherapy and antidepressants. You may also think about other options, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) where electric currents are sent through your brain to stimulate neurotransmitters and improve your mood.
Depression can be caused by many factors, but it is usually due to a chemical imbalance within the brain. If it is not treated, it can worsen and last longer leading to pain and even leading to self-harm or suicide. If you have thoughts of harming your self call the crisis line or healthcare provider immediately. Fortunately, depression that is severe can be treated, and getting treatment early will make you feel better faster. Contact an experienced family member or friend or a medical professional someone from your faith group if you're unsure whether your symptoms are connected to depression. They can help you assess your symptoms and help you determine the appropriate treatment for you. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts.