Depression is a trickster: It likes to convince your brain that everything is normal, and that your negative view of the world is realistic. In reality, however, your outlook is gradually shifting, warping your perspective and dampening your mood. Over time, it becomes harder and harder to function, until you can barely drag yourself out of bed. Let it go on for too long, and it can cause major disruption to your work life, personal life, and overall safety and well-being.
That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, and how to tell when it’s worsening. It pays to notice subtle shifts and changes in your routine that could indicate it’s time to take action to manage your mental health. In this article, you’ll read about some of the key patterns to look for as you navigate this serious illness. Don’t put off getting help if you think you might need it; reaching out could turn out to be lifesaving.
Persistent Numbness or Negative Emotions
It’s normal to feel down in the dumps sometimes, but not when it lasts weeks or months on end. If you’ve been feeling sad for a long time, with or without a reason for that sadness, it might be a sign you should head to an anxiety and depression treatment center. However, plain old sadness isn’t the only emotion that can indicate serious or worsening depression. You might instead feel a huge drop in self-esteem, like you’re worthless, or like you don’t deserve love or happiness.
Many depressed people don’t exhibit sadness at all; their depression manifests as an unrelated emotion. One common symptom is chronic irritability — suddenly everyone on the train or at the mall annoys you with their presence. Some people don’t feel anything at all, and simply start to feel completely numb. They might lose interest in the activities they used to enjoy, or feel cut off from the things and people they love.
Changes in Behavior
With those changes in mood might also come changes in your activities and lifestyle. You might find yourself skipping familiar activities or avoiding or withdrawing from your friends and family. When the things you used to love don’t bring you joy anymore, it can be discouraging to try to do them anyway. When your self-worth is shot, it can be hard to be around others, since the tendency to compare yourself to them can increase negative feelings.
You might also struggle to hold onto the motivation to finish projects, even if you’re still passionate about them. The interest is there, but it becomes a struggle to make it to the end of that page you’re writing or portrait you’re painting. For people that find it hard to identify their emotions, behavior changes can be an easier way to spot worsening depression symptoms. Be sure to discuss these changes with your mental health treatment provider or a trusted friend.
Cognitive Difficulties
Sometimes, the change in motivation to finish projects is due to a loss of interest. In other cases, it’s because your depression is beginning to have a cognitive impact on your brain. As depression worsens, it can cause you to have trouble concentrating or increased difficulty making decisions. Some people with depression experience chronic “analysis paralysis,” where they get so anxious about decision-making that they just can’t bring themselves to choose anything.
Other cognitive difficulties associated with depression include short-term memory loss. People with depression can have trouble remembering information, especially positive events. Depressed people may describe themselves as experiencing “brain fog” or feeling more confused or forgetful than usual. The effect is so profound that, especially in the elderly, it can be difficult to differentiate between the symptoms of depression and those of dementia.
Physical Symptoms
Depression isn’t just about how you think and feel; it’s an illness that impacts the whole body. When it worsens, it can lead to very real physical symptoms that can have a snowball effect on physical and mental health. For example, depression can cause fatigue, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, and insomnia. When you can’t get enough rest, your health and mood quickly worsen, and symptoms exacerbate one another.
Other physical signs of depression can include changes in appetite, meaning you eat a lot more or a lot less. You might notice you’re gaining or losing weight, or others might comment on the changes in your appearance. You might also notice aches and pains, like migraines or unexplained muscle cramps and joint pain. If you find yourself feeling sick or achey more often, it could be a sign that depression is taking a toll on your bodily systems.
When Things Get Really Serious
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s important to seek help as soon as you realistically can. However, for some symptoms, it’s even more crucial to get immediate professional attention. If you experience thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or thoughts of harming others, speak to a professional immediately. If you have a therapist, call them, or reach out to a local crisis hotline or mental health facility.
Another option, if you’re not sure where to go or who to call, is to call 9-1-1 or head to your local emergency room. Emergency response teams have protocols in place to help people who become a serious risk to their own (or others’) health or safety. This isn’t always the best option, as police officers and hospitals can be overwhelming to deal with when you’re depressed. Still, the most important thing is getting help and making sure you stay safe.
