What Is Debilitating Depression?

Depression is a relatively common chronic mental illness that can be leveled from mild to severe. For many individuals, medication and therapy are necessary for treating negative physical, emotional, mental and social symptoms.

What is Depression?

• Depression is a mental illness that affects multiple areas of functioning.

  Depression is identified by overwhelming negative feelings, thoughts and behaviors that can impact daily functioning to the point that symptoms are debilitating for the individual.

Physical Symptoms

• Insomnia is also a symptom of depression.

  Depressed individuals may have symptoms that include body aches and pains, excessive sleeping, fatigue, difficulty eating and restlessness. Physical symptoms can have a huge impact on his ability to function throughout the day.

Emotional Symptoms

• Frequent, unexplained crying is a sign of depression.

  Feelings of hopelessness, excessive shame and guilt, irritability, sadness and other negative emotions are frequent and chronic for depressed individuals.

Social Symptoms

• Social isolation can lead to depression.

  A lack of interest in activities, a decrease in social relationships and poor interactions can lead to further negative social situations for someone suffering with depression.

Dealing With Depression

• With overwhelming symptoms, people may experience suicidal thoughts, anxiety, medical conditions, or may try to self-medicate with drugs; co-existing problems complicate depression.

Symptom Severity

• Sad life events can trigger normal periods of depression.

  Many people are able to work through periods of depression. For those who are chronically unable to cope with depressive symptoms, treatment with medication and psychotherapy is critical.