How Can I Tell If My Depression Is Getting Worse?

Depression sufferers experience symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, feelings of low self-esteem or guilt every day for two weeks or more. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of depression and help you find treatment. If depression is not treated right away, your condition may worsen. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more challenging it can be to overcome. Monitoring your depression and notifying your therapist of any significant changes in your symptoms will greatly increase your chances for success in overcoming your depression.

Change in Behavior

• Family and friends have noticed a change in your behavior. You find yourself losing interest in things you once cared about. You have a difficult time concentrating at work, or call in sick simply because it feels like too much effort to go anywhere. If you are a student, you may experience difficulty completing assignments, following class lectures or participating in group work. Your hobbies no longer give you pleasure. Completing everyday tasks, such as housework, seems like too much to handle.

Isolation

• You feel increasingly uncomfortable in social settings, to the point where you avoid any activities with others. You become anxious around larger groups of people when you were once a social butterfly. You avoid authority figures or others who may be intimidating. When you do talk to people, you become distracted, uninterested, avoid eye contact and try to end the conversation as quickly as possible. Your significant other and children have started to question why you are being so reserved, and they express concern for your well-being.

Mood Swings

• You experience increased agitation and mood swings. When you are considering what you need to do for the day, you are consumed with anxiety, nervousness and aggravation. Simple tasks cause feelings of intense pressure that make it seem as if you'll never get anything done.

Reaction to Medication

• If you are on antidepressant medications, but find that your symptoms are becoming worse, tell your doctor immediately. The National Institute of Mental Health notes "patients must take regular doses for at least three to four weeks before they are likely to experience a full therapeutic effect. They should continue taking the medication for the time specified by their doctor, even if they are feeling better, in order to prevent a relapse of the depression. Medication should be stopped only under a doctor's supervision."

Self Harm

• When the feelings of emptiness, worthlessness and sadness are overwhelming, some people turn to self injury to cope with the pain. Injuring yourself purposely to deal with your pain or thinking of committing suicide is a serious sign that your depression is getting worse. If you are injuring yourself or have thoughts of suicide, call your doctor, therapist or a suicide helpline immediately. The National Institute for Mental Health suggests you can "call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK or [phone]; TTY: (800) 799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor."