Symptoms of Severe Depression

Sadness is a natural emotion that everyone feels from time to time. Sadness often results from events such as the death of a loved one or overwhelming stress at work. Severe depression, however, is much more than just sadness. Severe depression (also known as “clinical” or “major” depression) is a mental disorder characterized by abnormally low moods that persist for two or more weeks. Severe depression is a devastating illness that inhibits a person’s ability to carry out his day-to-day activities. Major depression can last for a few weeks or for many years.

Severe Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of depression can vary greatly from person to person. In addition, one single person may exhibit different signs of depression over the course of a single depressive episode. For example, they may initially be angry and irritable, but after a while they may become more listless and sad.

Although no single person is likely to display all the signs of depression, some common severe depression symptoms include:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Apathy, fatigue and indifference
  • Changes in appetite and/or weight fluctuations
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Decreased concentration
  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
  • Frequent, unprovoked crying spells
  • Increased irritability
  • Indecisiveness
  • Inexplicable pains (i.e. headaches and back pain)
  • Lack of energy
  • Listlessness, restlessness or agitation
  • Loss of interest in activities that once brought enjoyment and withdrawal from social activities
  • Memory problems
  • Poor self-image
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Sluggish actions or speech
  • Thoughts of death and suicide
  • Withdrawal from social activities.

Although these are the most common symptoms of depression, certain groups of people may exhibit additional symptoms that, at least in the beginning, may not seem like obvious signs of depression. Knowing these subtle signs can help you identify the presence of severe depression symptoms in yourself or a loved one.

Severe Depression Symptoms in Men

Men have a greater tendency to suppress their feelings than women. Men are more likely to feel shame about their depression, seeing it as a weakness or something to “get over.” In addition to the above symptoms of depression, a depressed male may:

  • Develop “workaholic” tendencies
  • Engage in excessive drinking or drug use
  • Engage in reckless and risky activities
  • Exhibit anger or aggression.

Severe Depression Symptoms in Adolescents

Unfortunately, sometimes the symptoms of depression in adolescents are mistaken for laziness, sullenness or a bad attitude. Some additional signs of depression to help identify major depression in adolescents may include:

  • Changes in sleep patterns (i.e. sleeping in much later than usual)
  • Eating disorders
  • Isolation
  • Lack of motivation
  • Poor concentration
  • Violent behavior.

In adolescents, major depression is often co-occurring with other behavioral problems, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have been experiencing some of the severe depression symptoms outlined above for an extended period of time. Consider emergency help if you are having thoughts of suicide.

Resources
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff. (n.d.). Understanding depression. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff website:  www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/Depressive _Illness/depressive_ill_understanding.html.

Duckworth, K. (2009). Men and depression: Fact sheet. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website: www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Depression&Template=/ContentManagement /ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=88881.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Major depression: Symptoms. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Male depression: Understanding the issues. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Staff. (n.d.). Depression symptoms, causes and diagnosis. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website:   www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Depression_ Symptoms,_Causes_and_Diagnosis.htm.

Nemade, R. et al. (n.d.). Depression: Major depression and unipolar varieties. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from the MentalHealth.net website: http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=438&cn=5.

Nemours Foundation Staff. (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved May 6, 2010, from the TeensHealth® kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/depression.html.