Beyond The Blues: Identifying Severe Depression

Everyone gets the blues on occasion but when your mood affects your ability to function, you may be suffering from clinical depression, a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

The term “depression” has become common in mainstream society and may be classified as:

• mild
• moderate
• ​severe, also called “major”

Regardless of your level of depression, it is important to recognize the signs and ask for help to avoid spiraling out of control. Often those with severe depression have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and can feel as if life isn't worth living. Depression isn't a sign of weakness nor can you simply "snap out" of it.

​​An estimated 300 million people worldwide are diagnosed with some level of depression which can occur regardless of age, ethnic background, education, and social position. A family history of mental illness, high stress environments, and drinking or taking drugs while pregnant are some of the known causes of major depression. Other factors may include financial stress, death of a loved one, divorce, abuse, trauma, and a brain imbalance.

Severe Depression Symptoms

Severe depression is a mental illness that can impact productivity, self-esteem and performance. The most noticeable signs are extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, excessive mood swings, reckless behavior, isolation, acting out, and suicidal thoughts.

Insomnia along with trouble concentrating can also be signs of depression and leave you feeling both emotionally and physically drained. If you are having trouble sleeping, you may want to try limiting your caffeine to the morning only and take an over the counter sleep aid 30-minutes prior to bedtime. If these natural remedies don’t cure your insomnia, consult with your doctor or a sleep specialist.
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Serious Depression Treatment

If you are suffering with severe depression, don’t ignore it. Instead, it is important that you talk to someone about your feelings as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable talking with someone you know, there are many mental health organizations that provide confidential hotlines and peer counseling. You may also want to find a psychiatrist who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

Most healthcare professionals agree that therapy or counseling along with proper medication can be very effective in managing moderate and severe depression. If untreated, depression can lead to other mental health conditions. Along with substance disorders, depression is the most prevalent diagnoses among suicide victims.
 
If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for help.

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