Depression is one of the most common mental health diagnoses around the world.
Some may experience it occasionally, while others may suffer drastically from the condition.
So, that leads us to the question of when is a case of depression considered clinical, not just situational or mild. Read on to find out.
1. Negatively Affects Day-to-Day Life
A mild bout of depression may be enough to change the mood, but in the case of clinical depression, one may find moderate to severe alterations in their daily life.
It isn’t uncommon for those with clinical depression to find themselves frequently late, feeling too unmotivated to complete schoolwork, calling into work often, frequently forgetting to eat, struggling to clean up after themselves, and letting their hygiene go.
2. Frequent and/or Debilitating Symptoms
Anyone with depression would know that depression can be absolutely brutal and long-lasting, or it may even come in mild waves at times.
How we each experience depression and the level of depression we experience at any given time can depend on numerous factors, from genetics to our diet to the situations we’re currently in.
A big difference between situational depression and clinical depression is that clinical depression is often more severe, more frequent in its occurrence, and lasts longer during a given period.
On the other hand, situational or mild depression often comes about on occasion and isn’t as regular.
3. Possible Alcohol or Drug Dependence
Not every individual suffering from clinical depression may find themselves dependent on drugs or alcohol. However, the urge to use, or even the actual act of using, can be a warning sign of clinical depression versus a milder form of depression.
Drug and/or alcohol use can harm someone with or without clinical depression. Those with depression may find themselves further spiraling and, in turn, relying even more on their choice of drug or alcohol.
As a result, their mental health will suffer even more in the end, all while the drug or alcohol hinders their physical health.
4. Thoughts of Suicide
Not everyone with depression may be suicidal, but it’s one warning sign of those with clinical depression. For folks experiencing clinical depression, they may not necessarily have a plan or urge to end their life, but they may at least have thoughts of suicide.
“I wish I never existed” or “Everyone would be better off without me” might be thoughts that come to their head often.
Are you dealing with the signs of clinical depression? It may be time to seek out treatment for depression.
Conclusion
Depression can be difficult to cope with, no matter how severe or frequent.
However, one may notice that clinical depression tends to be harder to overcome. This tends to be due to its high frequency and stronger symptoms.
The good news is that even for those with severe cases of clinical depression, there is help out there to turn to.