What degree of depression is indicated by pill-taking behavior?

Generally, the act of swallowing medication cannot directly indicate the severity of depression and must be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms. If any abnormalities are observed, prompt medical attention is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The act of swallowing medication may occur at various stages of a depressive episode. Individuals with mild depression may experience suicidal thoughts due to low mood and diminished interest, but they often hesitate before taking action. Those with moderate depression tend to have more negative emotions and may attempt to swallow medication when overwhelmed by emotional pain, though they might stop midway due to fear of death or being discovered. In contrast, individuals with severe depression suffer from extreme hopelessness and despair, making their attempts more determined and resolute, often accompanied by other self-harming behaviors.

Assessing the severity of depression requires consideration of multiple factors, including symptom duration and the degree of impairment in social functioning. For example, mild depression may only affect daily mood, whereas severe depression can render a person unable to work, study, or engage in social activities. Although swallowing medication is a serious behavior, it alone is insufficient to determine the severity of depression; a comprehensive evaluation must include other symptoms such as sleep disturbances and changes in appetite.

Once such behavior is detected, immediate medical intervention is essential. At the same time, close attention should be paid to the patient's emotional state to prevent recurrence.