How to Know You are Severely Depressed

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Depression is real, and in some instances, it could be severe and extremely overwhelming for the sufferer who might not even be aware of what is going on with him/her.

Sometimes, it could get as serious as impeding certain people from carrying out their activities of daily living.

Oftentimes, depression could take a downward toll on some people, and become so severe that it leads to a huge decline in functioning, and they begin to feel devastated.

It could as well be referred to as major depressive disorder (MMD).

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Diagnosing depression

The procedure for diagnosing depression is very straightforward because the pointers are your behavior patterns and symptoms.

Usually, your health care provider requires you to complete a questionnaire, which helps him or her determines the presence of depression and its severity.

Is it severe depression (MDD)?

• How are your temperaments? Do they shift? Does your mood often change? (Mood swings)
• Do you lack interest in activities you once enjoyed? Do you have difficulties working with others? (Apathy)
• Are you constantly feeling very sad, frustrated, angered, or suicidal?
• How are your sleep patterns? Do you sleep too little or too much? (Sleep disturbances)
• Do you have frequent backaches and /or headaches?
• Are you losing or gaining weight? (Weight changes)
• Do you find it hard to concentrate?
• How is your hygiene? Is it good or poor?

Are you depressed?

As a means of diagnosis, a self-test for depression is not enough, but it sure helps one determine when to seek the help of an expert health care provider

• Have you noticed, that recently, you get easily upset over little things? (Irritability)
• Do you suddenly eat too much or too little?
• Do you conceive thoughts of hurting yourself? (Suicidal thoughts /self-harm)
• Are there days when you feel physically drained, and unmotivated to go about your activities?
• Do you often find a reason to miss work these days?
• Are you still interested in your hobbies and everything that ignites excitement for you?
• Do you sleep for most of the day?

If you identify with 4 or more of the aforementioned points, consider seeking help from an expert.

Treating severely depressed (MDD)people

Like other forms of depression, treating MDD requires similar methods of treatment.

However, there is a difference in the process, because it is usually more intense to aid the depressed person to overcome the consequences of this debilitating condition.

Addressing severe depression (MDD)

There are credible treatment options available, and they include:

Medication

Balancing neurotransmitters and regulating chemicals and hormones that are responsible for aspects related to emotional and mental health is the prime rationale for this treatment option.

Therefore, your doctor is very likely to consider antidepressants.

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, usually the most common treatment option for depression with the main focus on finding ways of adjusting to stressors and learning how to respond to them in a manner that promotes more positive and healthier emotions.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Where other treatment options fail, ECT becomes inevitable.

The main objective of this treatment option is to alter certain chemicals found in the brain to put an end to the symptoms of depression.

The doctor puts the depressed person under anesthesia and electrically stimulates specific portions of his/her brain to achieve the desired result.

Hospital confinement

Oftentimes, suicide is a serious matter of concern when it comes to caring for people with MDD.

They might be suicidal and have an impaired ability for self-care.

As a result, some kind of confinement would be required during treatment to help them attain a certain level of “independence” where they are safe to leave and carry on with their treatment at home.

Always ask for help

If you ever begin conceiving suicidal thoughts, consider asking for help.

Tell somebody; child, spouse, friend, neighbor, call your doctor…. just say something!

This could be the solution you need. Do not go through it all by yourself, because it might be too late! Stay mindful of your thoughts.

In some countries of the world, there are established structures to assist suicidal people.

For instance, in the United States of America, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a very effective establishment with a 24/7 hotline; 1-800-662-HELP (4357, that connects the sufferer with help from a mental health service in his/her city.

Pay attention to your surroundings and be observant about the most subtle signs suggestive of suicidal thoughts or attempts as displayed by your child, friend, spouse, neighbor, or colleague, and call/report to seek help for who is concerned.

The best way to be your brother’s/sister’s keeper is to show kindness to one another because we are all connected!