Symptoms of Extreme Depression It's normal to feel sad or depressed at times However, depression is a serious disease that requires treatment The use of medication, such as antidepressants, can help correct the chemical imbalances that occur in your brain that trigger depression Psychotherapy talk therapy can also help reduce depression symptoms It may require time and some trial to determine the appropriate kind of medication and therapy for you 1 Loss of interest A decrease in interest in activities you normally are interested in is among the most prominent signs of depression Depression can make people feel so overwhelmed that they lose the desire to go out, spending time with others, or taking part in hobbies This is a sign of severe depression and should be dealt with with the help of an experienced mental health professional as soon as is possible Depression can cause someone to feel that they are not worth living for This can lead to feelings of despair, depression and thoughts of suicide People who are experiencing these feelings need to seek immediate help and get in touch with a mental health professional or a minister from their faith group They should also contact 911 or their local emergency number if they are at risk of hurting themselves or have already attempted suicide A doctor can diagnose depression if the symptoms are present most of the time for over two weeks, and result in a noticeable shift in daily functioning There isn't any blood test or Xray that can determine if a person suffers from depression, however, a doctor may run some tests to determine if there are other medical conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as hypothyroidism and some medications There isn't a single cause of depression however, research suggests that there are changes to the parts of the brain which control mood, and these changes are caused by a variety of factors These factors include the experiences of life, genetics, and the way nerve cells communicate within the brain Some types of depression appear to be inherited from families The signs of depression are different for men and women and teenagers A doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants, psychotherapy or both depending on the degree of Other medicines and/or supplements like St John's Wort, omega-3 fatty acids or exercise, could be helpful in some cases 2 Feelings of hopelessness When depression is severe feelings of despair are often very intense In reality, they could cause someone to lose interest in activities that usually bring them joy and trigger thoughts of suicide Although the majority of people who suffer from depression don't commit suicide however, these thoughts are frequent and could be dangerous when not treated The symptoms of severe depression can feel overwhelming, but they usually subside over time with treatment In certain instances the symptoms may be so severe they are considered a crisis situation In this instance it is essential to seek out help from a friend or family member or a medical professional or the crisis hotline There are many kinds of depression There are many types of Each one is characterized by a depressed mood that affects regular activities and relationships It's not like feeling blue or feeling down for a few days; the feelings last for weeks or months and are so intense that they alter the way you think and behave People who experience this type of depression also suffer from insomnia, experience changes in their appetite and have trouble focusing their thoughts Symptoms of depression can also cause physical symptoms, such as discomfort and aches, fatigue or a change in the size of the face abnormal weight loss If you're experiencing these symptoms, don't be afraid to get help Depression can have a devastating effect on people's lives and their families Unlike other illnesses, like cancer or the flu, there is no blood test or exam that can prove a diagnosis of depression Doctors diagnose depression according to the patient's symptoms and their impact on his or her daily life In order to prevent depression from recurring, write down your day-to-day feelings to detect warning symptoms You can also inform your family members and friends about depression so they can help identify when you're experiencing a flare up It's important to maintain a relationship with your family and friends who are supportive, and to avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs, which can exacerbate depression symptoms Consider joining a support group or seeking therapy 3 Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Depression can strike anyone at any age Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by depression at any time Depression can also differ in its severity and symptoms It is crucial to talk to a doctor or mental health professional if you're experiencing feelings of depression They can help you address the signs and get the treatment you require Feelings of guilt or desperation are often a sign of depression that is severe These feelings can be difficult to handle and have a negative effect on your life These feelings can make it difficult to work, study or simply enjoy life These feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts If you're having these thoughts, you should call the suicide hotline immediately or talk to an expert counselor In general, the signs and symptoms of depression are feeling depressed or low in mood most of the time, lacking enthusiasm or interest in the activities you normally enjoy being too tired or too little, changes in appetite eating more or less than usual and fatigue and memory issues, irritability and changes in your sleeping patterns Depression can also lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, aches and pains or weight fluctuations Certain people suffering from fibromyalgia which causes chronic fatigue and muscle pain also suffer from depression This could be due to a chemical imbalance that occurs in the brain and causes mood changes Depression can also be linked to other medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes Some people aren't aware they are suffering from depression and continue to suffer through depression, without receiving the help they need This can lead to more serious problems, like thoughts of suicide or self-harm Talk to a family member or friend or a professional health care provider, or a religious leader as soon you can if you're experiencing these symptoms They can assist you in finding the treatment that is right for you and can support you through your recovery They can also suggest resources to help you through an episode of depression 4 Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness persist Depression goes beyond feeling sad or "down in the dumps" for several days It is a serious mental health condition that affects people in a variety of ways and can make it difficult for them to enjoy their lives, work or relationships with friends and family Consult your physician If you feel helpless or unable to do anything for longer than two weeks You can recover in the event that you suffer from depression The most important thing is to take a step toward treatment as soon as you can This is especially true if you have severe symptoms Depression can trigger many symptoms that can affect daily life, including difficulty functioning at the office or at home, trouble sleeping and eating, chronic pain and fatigue and issues in interpersonal relationships The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but the American Psychiatric Association states that feelings of despair or worthlessness are common in those who suffer from this disease Depression can also trigger feelings of shame or guilt, which can exacerbate these negative emotions These feelings can be caused by depression or a way to cope, but they shouldn't be taken lightly https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/depression-symptoms is vital to keep in mind that depression can appear very similar to other illnesses and medical conditions like thyroid issues or certain medications It is best to consult a medical doctor for a diagnosis and to rule out the possibility of Keep a daily journal to identify the symptoms of depression Maintaining a supportive network of family members and friends can also help you through rough spells You can also incorporate self-care into your routine by writing, taking an exercise, or making an healthy meal Taking these small -- or what Cassell calls "micro" actions can improve your mood and decrease feelings of hopelessness and despair