Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It’s estimated that 3.8 percent of the world’s population experiences depression—around 280 million people in all.[1] Depression, however, is not a uniform presentation, and it can be as unique as the individual lives it impacts. For some, depression may resolve on its own in a matter of days or weeks. For others, depression can significantly impact daily life. Individuals may feel too depressed to work, function, or do anything.[2]
The experience of depression varies widely, encompassing a spectrum of depressive symptoms that range from emotional and cognitive challenges to physical manifestations. Severe depression can be marked by persistent feelings of despair, an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and a heightened sense of isolation—all of which may require immediate and comprehensive treatment from mental health professionals to ensure your safety and well-being.[3]
Today Clear Behavioral Health will explore strategies for recognizing the signs of severe depression, emphasizing the necessity of timely intervention and seeking professional support to find your path towards healing and recovery.
What is Major Depression?
Major depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.[4] It goes beyond normal fluctuations in mood that everyone experiences and significantly interferes with a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities that were once pleasurable.
The symptoms of major depression can vary from person to person but often include:[5]
- Depressed mood: Feeling sad, empty, or tearful most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure: Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in appetite or weight: Significant weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Sleep disturbances: Sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or struggling to sleep (insomnia)
- Fatigue or loss of energy: Feeling tired and lacking energy even after rest
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Persistent negative thoughts about yourself or your circumstances
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Trouble focusing on tasks or making choices
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation: Restlessness or slowed movements and speech
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide: Persistent thoughts of death or being better off dead, suicidal ideations, or attempts to end your life
To be diagnosed with major depression, these symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and significantly impact your overall daily functioning. In some cases, individuals may struggle with treatment-resistant depression and struggle to find symptom relief with treatments such as antidepressant medication and therapy.
How is Major Depressive Disorder Different Than Sadness?
Major depressive disorder is different from normal sadness in terms of its intensity, duration, and impact on daily functioning. While sadness is a natural and temporary emotional response to a specific event or situation, major depression involves persistent and intense depression symptoms such as feelings of despair, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Symptoms of depression often last for an extended period, typically at least two weeks, and can significantly impair a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, affecting their work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In contrast, sadness is a normal emotional response that tends to lift as time passes and as the individual processes and copes with the triggering event.
Can Severe Depression Prevent Me From Living My Life?
Serious depression can have a profound impact on various aspects of your life, affecting your emotional, physical, and social well-being. It’s a complex condition that can manifest in different ways, and its effects may vary from person to person:
- Emotional well-being: Serious depression exerts a profound influence on emotional well-being, plunging individuals into persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. The condition often results in a loss of interest and pleasure in activities that once brought joy, while irritability may surface even in response to minor issues.
- Physical health: Depression extends its reach into physical health, causing persistent fatigue and a lack of energy that hinders daily activities. Significant changes in appetite and weight, whether an increase or decrease, are common symptoms. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or excessive sleep, contribute to physical and mental exhaustion.
- Cognitive functioning: Cognitive functioning becomes compromised in the grip of depression, leading to difficulty concentrating on tasks, making decisions, or focusing. Memory problems, marked by forgetfulness and lapses, further hinder the ability to recall information.
- Work and academic performance: Depression takes a toll on work and academic performance, manifesting in impaired productivity, increased absenteeism, and challenges in meeting responsibilities. Problems with concentration and decision-making further exacerbate difficulties in professional or academic settings.
- Social relationships: Social relationships can also bear the brunt of depression as individuals grapple with isolation and withdrawal from social activities. Mood changes, irritability, and a lack of emotional energy strain interpersonal relationships, affecting the quality of connections with others.
- The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: In severe cases, depression heightens the risk of self-harm, and individuals may grapple with thoughts of death or suicide. Immediate help is crucial for those experiencing such thoughts or for those who know someone in this distressing situation.
- Physical health issues: Depression’s impact extends to physical health issues, potentially exacerbating existing medical conditions or contributing to the development of new health problems.
- Overall quality of life: The cumulative effect of emotional, physical, and social challenges associated with depression significantly diminishes overall quality of life. Addressing depression through comprehensive treatment is essential to restoring a sense of well-being and reclaiming a fulfilling personal and professional life.
Can I Take a Leave of Absence if I’m Unable to Work Due to Depression and Other Mental Health Conditions?
FMLA, or the Family and Medical Leave Act, is a United States federal law that provides eligible employees with the right to take job-protected, unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, including mental health disorders such as depression. FMLA aims to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of employees dealing with significant health issues:
Eligibility
To be eligible for FMLA, an employee must work for a covered employer, have worked for the employer for at least 12 months, and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months preceding the start of the FMLA leave.
Qualifying Reasons for FMLA Leave
FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain qualifying reasons. One such qualifying reason is the employee’s serious health condition, which can include a serious mental illness such as depression.
Medical Certification
Employers may require employees to provide medical certification from a healthcare provider or mental health professional to support the need for FMLA leave due to depression. The certification should include information about the nature of the condition, the need for leave, and the expected duration of the leave.
Job Protection
One of the key benefits of FMLA is job protection. When an employee takes FMLA leave for a qualifying reason, including depression, the employer is generally required to return the employee to the same or an equivalent position when the leave ends.
Health Insurance Coverage
During FMLA leave, employers are generally required to maintain the employee’s group health insurance coverage. The employee remains responsible for their share of the premium payments.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees are typically required to provide notice of their intent to take FMLA leave and, when possible, make reasonable efforts to schedule the leave to not unduly disrupt the employer’s operations.
FMLA is a federal law in the United States, and specific details and regulations may vary. It’s crucial for employees and employers to be familiar with the FMLA requirements, and employees considering FMLA leave for mental health issues should consult with their employer’s HR department and, if necessary, seek guidance from legal or HR professionals to ensure compliance with FMLA regulations.
If you feel like your current job is a toxic work environment, it may be a good idea to consider looking for a different job. Going back to a job that may or not start triggering depressive symptoms can be detrimental to your progress.
What Sort of Treatment Is Available for Serious Depression?
Depression treatment options vary based on factors such as the severity of the condition, individual preferences, and recommendations from healthcare professionals. Treatment often involves a combination of therapeutic approaches.
Therapy
Psychotherapy, commonly known as counseling or talk therapy, is a fundamental component of depression treatment. In-person sessions with licensed therapists or counselors offer traditional support, while virtual sessions, known as teletherapy, provide flexibility through video calls, phone calls, or online messaging platforms to expand treatment availability.
Medication
Medication, typically prescribed by psychiatrists or healthcare providers, may be part of the treatment plan as well. In-person consultations are common, but virtual platforms also facilitate medication management and consultations with psychiatrists.
Outpatient Programs
In terms of treatment settings, outpatient care allows individuals to live at home while attending scheduled appointments with mental health professionals. Intensive outpatient treatment programs include sessions with therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. Virtual intensive outpatient care, often termed telehealth or telepsychiatry, enables remote participation in therapy or psychiatry sessions, enhancing accessibility.
Inpatient Treatment
For those experiencing serious depression, inpatient treatment can be a critical option. Inpatient depression treatment at Clear Behavioral Health involves comprehensive care within a home-like setting, offering round-the-clock support and monitoring. This intensive level of care is typically recommended for individuals with severe symptoms, high suicide risk, or those who require immediate intervention.
In a controlled environment, individuals receive structured therapeutic interventions, medication management, and support from a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals. Inpatient treatment provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to focus solely on their recovery, away from external stressors. While primarily conducted in person, technological advancements may also facilitate virtual components in aftercare or follow-up consultations to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing support upon discharge.
Reach Out for Help Today
Clear Behavioral Health’s integrated approach to treat depression includes a range of care options tailored to meet your diverse needs. From the supportive environment of our inpatient mental health facilities to the flexibility of outpatient care and the convenience of virtual IOP, we strive to create a continuum of care that addresses the unique challenges each individual faces.
Our dedicated team of mental health professionals is here to guide you on your journey toward healing, offering compassionate support every step of the way. At Clear Behavioral Health, we believe in empowering individuals to reclaim their mental well-being and embrace a brighter future. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you—reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and start your path to a lasting positive mental health change.
References:
- World Health Organization. (2023, March 31). Depressive disorder (depression). World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression on December 24, 2023
- Tolentino, J. C., & Schmidt, S. L. (2018). DSM-5 criteria and depression severity: Implications for clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(450). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00450 on December 24, 2023
- National Library of Medicine. (2020). Treatments for depression. In www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279282/ on December 24, 2023
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, July). Major Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression on December 25, 2023
- Sawchuk, C. (2022). Depression (major depressive disorder). Mayo Clinic; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007 on December 25, 2023
- Fitzgerald, J. (2019, January 22). Depression versus sadness: How to tell the difference. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314418 on December 25, 2023
- FLSA. (2022, May). Fact Sheet # 28O: Mental Health Conditions and the FMLA | U.S. Department of Labor. Www.dol.gov. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28o-mental-health on December 25, 2023
