Think Your Depression’s Getting Worse? Here’s How to Tell

Depression can be a challenging and isolating experience that affects countless individuals globally. It can leave you feeling lost, empty, and hopeless, and it can be hard to determine whether your symptoms are improving or worsening. Recognising the warning signs of deteriorating depression is crucial, as it enables you to take control of your symptoms and seek the support you need to overcome them. In this blog, we'll discuss how to recognise when your depression is getting worse and what steps you can take to manage it effectively.

If you think you are experiencing signs of depression, read Understanding Depression: Signs, Causes and Types. 

If you're feeling like your depression is getting worse, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Many people with depression experience periods of worsening symptoms, and it's important to seek help as soon as possible. 

Some Signs To Look Out For: 

Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate that your depression is getting worse:

Your mood is not changing 

If you're feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time, and it seems to be getting worse over time, this could be a sign that your depression is getting worse. While it's normal to have ups and downs, if your low mood persists for several weeks, it's important to seek help.

You're feeling more anxious

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. If you're experiencing more anxiety than usual, this could be a sign that your depression is getting worse. You may be feeling more restless, irritable, or on edge than usual.

You're having trouble sleeping

Depression can cause sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. If you're having trouble sleeping or your sleep patterns have changed, this could be a sign that your depression is getting worse.

Your appetite has changed

Depression can also affect your appetite. You may find that you're eating more or less than usual, or that you're craving certain foods. If you're experiencing changes in your appetite, this could be a sign that your depression is getting worse.

You're feeling more fatigued

Depression can cause feelings of fatigue or exhaustion, even if you're getting enough sleep. If you're feeling more tired than usual, this could be a sign that your depression is getting worse. 

You’re experiencing symptoms that were not there before

Over time, you might have noticed that you’re experiencing more and more symptoms of depression that were not there before. This might include sleeplessness, loss of interest, and more. 

You’re isolating yourself

If you find yourself not having the energy to spend with your friends or loved ones, it might be a sign of worsening depression. It might not be very obvious, as a lot of the times, depression can make it very hard for people to have the energy to socialise and invest in relationships. 

You’re not able to invest in your relationship 

It might not necessarily be a romantic relationship; it might even be your relationship with your peers, your close friends, and so on. You might find yourself not being able to talk to them, support them, and so on. 

Your libido has changed 

Your libido is the sexual drive that you have. If your depression is worsening, you might find yourself not be in the mental or physical space to engage in anything sexual with your partner. 

You're having suicidal thoughts

If you're having thoughts of suicide, it's important to seek help immediately. This is a serious symptom of depression and requires immediate attention.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Depression is a treatable condition, and there are many effective treatments available, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

To learn more about antidepressants and how they work, please read Depression: How Effective Are 

Tips To Help You Manage Symptoms Until You Seek Help 

In addition to seeking professional help, there are also things you can do to manage your symptoms on a day-to-day basis. Here are some tips that may help:

Practise self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential when you're struggling with depression. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

Reach out to others: It can be helpful to talk to others about what you're going through. This can include friends, family members, or a support group. You may also consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support.

Challenge negative thoughts: Depression can cause negative thinking patterns, such as all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and jumping to conclusions. Challenge these negative thoughts by asking yourself if they're really true, and if there's any evidence to support them.

Set realistic goals: Setting small, achievable goals can help you feel more accomplished and improve your mood. It can also help you feel more in control of your time and manage your schedule with more ease. 

Depression is a complex and challenging mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be challenging to differentiate between normal mood fluctuations and a more severe depression episode. However, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this blog, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. 

If you or your loved one is experiencing similar challenges, we encourage you to consult a therapist or a psychiatrist.  

Remember that depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don't suffer in silence; reach out for help today.