It is very normal to feel sad and anxious at times in our lives. When we are angry with a friend, when we have a difficult exam, or when we have a problem at work, we feel sad. But that sadness goes away in two or three days. However, if this sadness, anxiety, anger, and tiredness continue for weeks or months, if it affects your daily activities, family, and friends, then it is not normal sadness. We call it depression. This is a medical condition that requires treatment, just like diabetes or high blood pressure. Sometimes this depression can be very severe. Today we are talking about the warning signs of this severe depression. By recognizing these, you can get help quickly for yourself or someone you love.
What are the main symptoms of major depression?
Major depression is a condition that can paralyze a person mentally. The symptoms seen in this are very intense. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.
| Symptom | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Sleep problems | On the one hand, some people cannot sleep at night no matter how hard they try (Insomnia). The worries and problems in their minds keep swirling around in their heads. On the other hand, others spend most of their time sleeping. They make it a habit to sleep to escape their problems. The body may also feel extremely tired for no reason. |
| Not getting pleasure from things you used to enjoy | In medicine, we call this Anhedonia. Simply put, the things you used to enjoy doing - talking to friends, watching a movie, listening to a song, playing a game - no longer bring you joy or pleasure. Everything feels empty. |
| Constant irritability and restlessness | Gets unimaginably angry over the smallest things. Always has a short temper. This trait is especially common among young children. This anger can cause problems at school, work, and in family relationships. |
| Disappointment about life | Thoughts like "nothing works", "my life will never work out", "everything is over" often come to mind. Nothing good can be seen about the future. This hopelessness can also lead to a loss of interest in seeking treatment. |
| Thoughts of ending your life | This is the most severe and dangerous symptom. When people feel hopeless about life and feel worthless, they may have suicidal thoughts. If you have these thoughts even once, it is an emergency. Seek help immediately. |
| Inability to take care of oneself | A person with severe depression may not feel like doing even the most basic daily tasks. They may even avoid things like eating, bathing, changing clothes, and caring for their children. |
Physical effects of depression
Depression doesn't just affect the mind. It affects our bodies too. Sometimes, because of these physical symptoms, a person thinks they have another illness.
- Backaches, stomach aches, and other body aches that come for no reason.
- Constipation.
- Decreased sexual desire.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain.
- Things like speaking speed and walking speed are much slower than usual.
Severe depressive symptoms in young children
The symptoms of depression in teens can be a little different than in adults. It's important for parents to be aware of this.
- Getting angry or aggressive over small things.
- Oversleeping or overeating.
- Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches.
- Threatening to run away from home.
- Inability to tolerate even the slightest criticism.
- Turning to drug or alcohol use.
Suicide risk and warning signs
Not everyone with depression will consider taking their own life. However, someone with severe depression is at a higher risk. That's why it 's so important to be aware of these warning signs.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, don't try to deal with it on your own. It's not cowardice, it's not weakness. It's a cry for help. Seek immediate medical attention.
These are emergencies!
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, consider it an emergency. Don't waste time and go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you say, "I want to die" or if you say you are going to end your life.
- Searching online for ways to end your life, buying weapons like a gun.
- If you constantly say things like "There's no point in living" or "I'm a burden to everyone."
- If you say you are stuck in unbearable mental or physical pain.
- If you suddenly increase your alcohol or drug use.
- If you intentionally do dangerous things (e.g., driving too fast).
- If you withdraw from friends, give away your valuable belongings to others, and act like you're saying goodbye to everyone.
How to get help?
If you have any of the symptoms described above that persist for more than two weeks , please do not ignore it. See your primary care doctor. He or she can do a basic evaluation and refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.
Treatment for severe depression usually involves a combination of antidepressants and talk therapy/counseling.
- Medications: These medications help restore the chemical imbalance in the brain. However, they can take 4 to 8 weeks to work. Therefore, it is important to be patient and take the treatment.
- Talk therapy: This involves helping you change the thought patterns that are troubling you.
When you are having suicidal thoughts, do not use alcohol or other drugs. They will only make your depression worse and cause you to make bad decisions.
Take-Home Message
- Severe depression is not a weakness, it is a serious illness that requires treatment.
- Watch for symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of pleasure in things you used to enjoy, frequent anger, and hopelessness about life.
- Depression can even cause physical pain for no apparent reason.
- If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. Never be shy about asking for help.
- If you are having thoughts of suicide or if someone is talking about it, it is an emergency . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment