Depression, this invisible killer of the mind, quietly affects the lives of countless people.
When we talk about the “severity” of depression, it often means that the symptoms have surpassed daily emotional fluctuations and are beginning to profoundly impact an individual’s cognition, emotions, and even behavioral patterns.
While mild depression may exist without the need for medication or therapy for self-healing, with time, it is uncertain whether it will improve or worsen.
So, what signs indicate that depression is worsening?
6 specific signs of worsening depression
– Withdrawal: Social circle gradually shrinks
– As one’s depression worsens, the individual gradually narrows their living range. The activity radius decreases to staying at home, in bed, or being alone.
– They gradually reduce social interactions, from attending fewer gatherings to avoiding all social situations, eventually possibly isolating themselves entirely from society. Even going out seems terrifying.
This social isolation not only intensifies the patient’s loneliness but also deprives them of emotional support and psychological comfort, leading to a vicious cycle.
Studies indicate that social support is one of the important factors in alleviating depression. Prolonged social isolation significantly increases the risk of worsening conditions.
– Decline in cognitive function: Mental processing slows down
– If you feel like you’ve suddenly become “dull,” gradually unable to keep up with the thoughts of family and friends, taking a long time to react to conversations, unable to express your true thoughts in words, even forgetting if you’ve eaten…
– Then your depression may be deepening.
– The thought process of depression patients often becomes sluggish, with delayed reaction times, and difficulty concentrating.
– Initially, it may just be occasional sluggishness, but as the condition worsens, this cognitive slowing down may develop into noticeable cognitive impairments, affecting decision-making, memory, and learning abilities.
– The decline in cognitive function not only makes depression patients feel more helpless and desperate but also complicates treatment.
– Physical symptoms frequently occur: Physical health deteriorates
– Depression is not just a mental problem; it is accompanied by a series of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, backaches, etc.
– Initially, it may be occasional mild discomfort, but as the condition progresses, these symptoms become more frequent and severe, even affecting the patient’s daily life and work ability.
– Or you may feel tense all the time, unable to truly relax, or feel discomfort all over your body without a clear reason.
– The comprehensive breakdown of the body is often a direct consequence of worsening depression and a crucial opportunity for patients to seek professional help.
– Neglect of activities: Daily joys disappear
– There was a time when simple things in daily life, a good book, a walk, or laughter with friends, could bring you joy.
– But now, these once bright aspects seem dull, losing their appeal. Losing interest in everything, even things you once loved, have become tasteless.
– This is a prominent sign of deepening depression, quietly robbing you of love and expectations for life.
– You begin to lose interest in all activities, even basic daily care like personal hygiene feels overwhelming, physical fatigue cannot be relieved, everything becomes meaningless, and the order of life dissolves.
– Research shows that the loss of interest is positively correlated with the severity of depression. It is not just an external manifestation of low mood but also a reflection of the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
– Self-blame: Constantly doubts self-worth
– Depression is a disease that generates self-attack.
– When your mind is filled with thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I’m a failure,” “I don’t deserve love,” these self-denying voices echo repeatedly in your mind, like sharp blades continually cutting down your self-esteem and confidence.
– When you frequently question your own worth, blame yourself for everything, or even deeply resent yourself, it is a strong signal that depression has deeply rooted emotions.
– Self-harm: Emergence of suicidal thoughts
– Sometimes, a thought crosses your mind: “I am worthless in this world, I seem unnecessary to be alive.”
– This is the most heartbreaking and urgent warning. When thoughts of suicide start to linger in your mind, no matter how vague or fleeting, it is a signal that immediate action must be taken.
– This is not just despair for life but also a sign that depression has reached a dangerous edge. At this point, seeking professional help becomes the only way to save your life.
What to do if depression worsens;
– The deepening of depression is a gradual process that often gradually manifests through a series of subtle yet profound signs. Recognizing and valuing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and effective treatment.
– When you realize that your or someone else’s depression is worsening, you can do the following:
1. Psychological therapy
– A review published in the “World Psychiatry” indicates that psychological therapy can improve the quality of life for most mental disorders and reduce the recurrence rate. For example, psychological therapy can significantly improve depression symptoms and slightly to moderately improve the social function of depression patients.
– Current main treatment methods include psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and family therapy, among others.
2. Art therapy
– Art therapy can be applicable to many people, including those who have experienced trauma, physical violence, anxiety disorders, depression, among others, and some research suggests that art therapy is also very helpful for patients with severe mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
– In the realm of art therapy, individuals can visually present their inner world through artistic mediums, releasing unsettled emotions through creation, clarifying previous experiences, materializing thoughts, and conveying psychological needs.
– Art therapists, based on psychological theories and therapeutic relationships, guide you through creative expression using art, to explore themes and conflicts that may be influencing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
3. Medication therapy
– If mild patients show no significant improvement in depression symptoms after 6-12 weeks of psychological therapy, combining antidepressant medication is usually suggested.
– For patients with severe conditions that may be life-threatening (e.g., suicidal thoughts, catatonia, refusal to eat), and ineffective response to other treatments (aged 12 and above), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered.
