The 5 Stages of Depression
Depression that is not the result of physical dysfunction such as illness, diet, or chemical abuse proceeds in five distinct stages. Each stage is increasingly harmful and difficult to unwind. Each stage tends to overlap the others but at any given time one stage dominates.
- Accumulating Suffering: The first stage begins as suffering begins accumulating. Typically, the suffering takes the form of stress, anger, resentment, fear, sadness, or perhaps surprisingly, desire. Normally we end up doing something, as in fixing our problems, to keep the suffering down. But when that fails and the suffering builds and is maintained for long periods that is begins depression. During this stage the depression is normally mild and diagnosed as a dysthymic disorder.
- Growing self-blame: When people are unable to overcome their problems or sources of suffering they inevitably begin blaming themselves and feeling like a failure.This is where the depression is diagnosed as mild to modest.
- Capitulation: Eventually, as the suffering and self-blame continue there comes a point where the sufferer no longer believes their problems or suffering can be overcome. This is where they give in and begin believing their situation is hopeless. Usually, people are pushed into this stage by some dramatic event such as loss of a job, a loved one, a car accident or some similarly stressful event. This stage usually takes between a few hours to a few months.
- Dysfunction: Once the sufferer capitulates they fall into the depths of depression and are usually diagnosed as having a major depressive disorder.This is where people are no longer able to function normally any more. Difficulty with concentration, thinking, memory accompanied by feeling weak and lethargic are hallmarks of this stage.
- Suicide or delusions: Eventually, severe depression leads either to suicidal thoughts or delusion. By the time people have reached this stage they are incapable of taking care of themselve, have given up all hope, and feel helpless. They need a lot of loving support.
Keep in mind that any of these stages may persist for years or even decades before someone progresses to the next.
Depression is the result of suffering and fortunately that is something that can be dealt with.
