Major depression, also known as clinical depression, affects a person's mind and body, often causing them to wonder if life is worth living. MayoClinic.com reports that people who struggle with this disorder can't just snap out of it like some people assume. It is a serious illness that usually requires a combination of medication and counseling.
Sadness, Emptiness and Irritability
Children, teens and adults who suffer from major depression have feelings of extreme sadness, irritability or emptiness. They might switch from sobbing one minute to yelling the next minute. Some people with this disorder report feeling nothing, as if their minds and bodies are empty. This is one reason that adolescents cut themselves; they want to feel the physical pain to actually feel something.
Isolation
Someone who's severely depressed will probably isolate herself from her friends and family members. She'll stop returning their calls, meeting up at social gatherings and fulfilling family obligations. For example, a mother who suffers from major depression might stop taking care of children, making their meals, cleaning their clothes and helping them with homework. Some depressed adults isolate themselves at work for long periods of time, so they don't have to interact with their family members.
Eating and Sleeping
Most children, adolescents and adults suffering from severe depression experience changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. They might overeat at most meals or experience a loss of appetite resulting in a significant weight gain or loss. Also, people with this disorder have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep or have trouble remaining awake. This leads to fatigue and trouble concentrating.
School and Work Issues
Among the first areas that are affected by major depression are work or school, depending on the age group. Children and teens often have a noteworthy decrease in school performance, skip school and get into arguments with peers. Adults have issues completing work projects on time, going to work on a regular basis, getting to work on time and concentrating during meetings.
Personal Hygiene
Most people with major depression stop taking care of themselves. They don't have the energy or motivation to take regular showers, clean their clothes or even change their clothes. They might show up to work in the same outfit a few days in a row.
Hopelessness
Most people who suffer from major depression feel hopeless. They don't see any way that their lives can change or have hope that in the future they'll be happy. Someone with major depression might say things like, "No one will ever love me," or "I'd be better off dead."
Suicidal Ideation
Some people struggling with a deep depression think about hurting themselves. They might contemplate ways to end their lives. Some pick a specific plan and obtain the means to end their lives. People who have thoughts of suicide need immediate help. The mental health information website Helpguide.org reports that signs of suicidal thinking include talking about death and dying, acting recklessly, saying goodbye to loved ones, giving away important possessions and a sudden change from major depression to calm and happiness.
