Severe Depression: The Red Flags to Watch For

What You Need to Know About Severe Depression

Depression is a mood disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. There are different types of depression including postpartum, seasonal, and depressive episodes associated with other mental health conditions. When we refer to severe depression, the clinical term is major depressive disorder (MDD). This is the most intense form of depression and causes many symptoms that interfere with everyday life.

MDD affects mood, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Feelings of sadness or grief are normal after life-altering events such as death or loss of a job. These feelings are not permanent and will come in waves. MDD can occur at any time, with symptoms coming on for no specific reason and lasting days, weeks, or months.

Causes and Factors of Severe Depression

There is no singular cause or risk factor that leads to severe depression. Possible causes of MDD include genetics and the chemistry of the brain. Other factors that may be involved include:

• Substance use, especially depressants such as alcohol
• Chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, or a combination of both
• Experiencing a tragedy or stressful life event

These factors may only lead to the development of depression temporarily or mild cases. However, severe depression can still develop over time.

Early Signs Severe Depression Could Be Presenting

Severe depression doesn’t just begin out of nowhere, and knowing the early warning signs can help you identify what is going on. Some early red flags include:

• Sleep changes: You may find it more difficult to wake up in the morning or fall asleep at night. Lack of sleep or sleeping too much can also cause mood to be lower.
• Changes in feelings and mood: You may start feeling down or sad more often. These feelings may start at the back of your mind before becoming the forefront of your thoughts. Eventually, feelings of hopelessness and sadness will become persistent.
• Losing interest: Not only is this losing interest in hobbies or activities, but this also includes losing interest in friends and family. Activity and social interests dwindle as depression continues to worsen.
• Changes in appetite: Depression often causes eating habits to change, either increasing or decreasing. This can lead to weight loss or gain, which in itself can further worsen depression.

Key Symptoms of Severe Depression

The above list of symptoms will persist and get worse as severe depression progresses, especially when left untreated. Motivation and concentration are key symptoms of MDD as they become less and less present. Forgetting where objects were placed and having a difficult time making decisions are common. Not wanting to go anywhere, having difficulties accomplishing tasks, and having difficulties staying motivated at work or school also play a role in severe depression. For some, physical activity, thinking, and energy will feel slower and tiring. Others may experience an increase in irritability and restlessness.

Knowing When It’s Time to Seek Help for Your Depression

If severe depression is beginning to interfere with work, school, relationships, or accomplishing daily tasks, it wouldn’t hurt to talk to your doctor. Only a medical professional can diagnose severe depression, and the longer it goes untreated, the more severe symptoms can become. Your doctor will evaluate you physically to rule out any underlying conditions as well as provide a depression assessment.

Severe depression can cause persistent thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide. If these thoughts occur, seek medical help immediately. Even if you have never thought about suicide in the past, depression can change the way the brain thinks. Many resources are available for mental health help in Florida. 988 is the national hotline for suicide and mental health crises. It is available 24/7 via call, text, or online chat. Provide your zip code and they will connect you with local resources.

The Florida Department of Health Hillsborough County has a list of helpful resources and hotlines for mental health crises and those needing connections. These include help for veterans, domestic violence survivors, child abuse, and sexual assault survivors. Other resources include connections to food and housing assistance as well as to community partners.

Taking Control: Tips for Managing Severe Depression

Even with proper therapies and medications, depression can still rear its head every now and then. Severe depression is a life-long condition but is manageable with the proper treatments and techniques. Here are some tips for the days depression has you feeling down:

1. Try to stay moving – this can be easier said than done, but even 15 minutes of activity per day can boost mood and release feel-good chemicals in the brain.
2. Give yourself a thought challenge – negative thoughts occur often during severe depression, but most of the time they are not rational or reality. Challenge the thought in your mind and compare it to the evidence you have. Is the thought true, or just feel true?
3. Don’t dwell on the past – reliving past mistakes and moments is part of MDD. Try to remind yourself that dwelling on these is not productive, and change your thought pattern to something that is helpful to you.
4. Journal – writing down your feelings is a great way to understand your depression and how your triggers affect you. Maybe you have patterns where certain days of the month you are more down than others. Or you notice when you think about a certain person or time it makes negative feelings better. Journaling will help you track what coping skills are productive for your severe depression and also the ones that don’t work.
5. Remind yourself of your progress – negative thoughts can make you think you are going backward and that your treatment plan is no longer working. Give yourself grace and remind yourself of how far you have come. Depression doesn’t heal overnight, bad days are going to happen. These days do not define you, you are just as strong as when you started.
6. Set small goals – making a large list of things to do during a depressive state can cause you to become overwhelmed and accomplish nothing instead. Set simple, small goals that are achievable. An example would be cleaning the house. Instead of writing down each chore individually for the whole thing, start with two or three. Pick one and stick with it until it’s done. Crossing it off the list will give a boost in mood and encourage you to continue the list. Accomplishing the list will provide an even bigger sense of accomplishment!

Getting Help for Severe Depression in Tampa, FL

Severe depression can have you feeling low for what feels like forever, but there are options available that can provide relief. Depression treatment will give you the techniques and skills needed to manage the condition and find healing. Cognitive behavioral therapy and coping skill development will empower you to change negative thought patterns and develop ways to create positive change. You don’t have to keep living this way – reach out and find hope.

If you or someone you love is managing severe depression, a substance use disorder, or both, Clean Recovery Centers has you covered. Our unique, three-phase approach to treatment is unlike any other, and addresses depression primarily or in conjunction with substance use disorders. Our dedicated team will tailor your treatment path to reflect your goals and needs. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our program offerings.

Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.

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