If you suspect you might be severely depressed, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health expert for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. However, here are some common signs and symptoms that might indicate severe depression:
Persistent and overwhelming sadness or emptiness: Feeling down or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day, and finding it difficult to experience joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.
Loss of interest in activities: A significant decrease in interest or enjoyment in activities you once found pleasurable, including hobbies, social interactions, or personal relationships.
Changes in appetite or weight: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits, such as overeating or loss of appetite.
Sleep disturbances: Experiencing insomnia or oversleeping consistently, feeling restless or fatigued despite getting enough sleep.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Having a pervasive sense of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-criticism, often over minor issues.
Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus, make decisions, or remember things, even simple tasks.
Physical symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, or other physical symptoms that don't have a clear medical cause.
Thoughts of death or suicide: Persistent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide, or making plans for suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help from a mental health professional or call a crisis helpline.
Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and social activities, isolating yourself from others.
It's important to remember that everyone experiences depression differently, and you may not have all these symptoms to be considered severely depressed. Additionally, other conditions might present with similar symptoms, so a professional evaluation is crucial to determine an accurate diagnosis.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression or any mental health concerns, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional, counselor, therapist, or a helpline. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are effective treatments available for depression.