What are the Stages of Depression?

Stages of Depression Explained

Depression refers to a mood disorder that leads to a persistent feeling of sorrow and loss of interest. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that around 56 million people in India, which is 4.5% of the population, are suffering from depression. It may affect emotions, cognition, and daily functioning such that even mundane tasks may appear daunting.

Knowing the stages, types, and symptoms of depression is essential for early detection and proper management.

Stages of Depression - An Overview

Following are the five main stages of depression:

Stage 1: Emotional State Alteration

The first step of depression will usually start with a major change in emotional status. People often feel more irritability, nervousness, or mood swings. They may even begin to withdraw from activities they used to find pleasure in.

Stage 2: Physical Symptoms and Behavioral Changes

As depression advances, people can experience physical symptoms, such as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy. They might be sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little, and experiencing a pervasive feeling of fatigue. Behavioral changes like social withdrawal or abandonment of responsibilities also tend to follow.

Stage 3: Escalation of Symptoms

During this stage, the depressive symptoms become more dangerous. A feeling of worthlessness, extreme guilt, and a negative outlook on life can worsen. Concentration problems and indecisiveness may also aggravate.

Stage 4: Onset of Self-Injury or Suicidal Thoughts

At this point, thoughts of committing suicide or self-harm may occur. This is a time when urgent intervention by mental health experts is necessary. In the event that you or someone close to you is experiencing such conditions, immediate assistance is vital.

Stage 5: Severe Effect on Daily Life

At this final phase, depression can become greatly disabling. A person's capability to perform simple daily tasks can be severely affected, including one's job, interpersonal relationships, and self-care.

Understanding the Types of Depression

Knowing the types of depression may help in identifying the right treatment method. Here are the types of depression that occur in an individual:

1.Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression - MDD)

MDD is one of the most common depressive ailments that involves a persistent feeling of sadness or low self-worth for at least two weeks. Symptoms such as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and/or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may occur.

2.Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia, this disorder includes undergoing a phase of mild to moderate depression for at least two years. Compared to MDD, the symptoms of PDD are less severe, but they can be chronic and may affect daily functioning.

3.Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

In children, DMDD involves chronic irritability and intense anger outbursts that are frequent in the child before the age of 10.

4.Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

This depressive disorder is identified as too severe for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with mood swings, depression, and anxiety occurring before menstruation and easing shortly thereafter.

5.Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition

This type of depression is developed from a medical condition such as hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, or cancer. Often, treating the primary medical condition will improve the depressive symptoms.

6.Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This is commonly referred to as seasonal depression and occurs in relation to seasonal changes, most often happening during the fall/winter and improving in the spring/summer.

7.Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

It occurs during pregnancy or up to four weeks following childbirth and affects mood or the ability to function on a daily basis.

8.Atypical Depression

This type of depression is not characterized by the person experiencing persistent sadness. Rather, medical experts consider it a specifier for depressive symptoms.

Individuals having atypical depression may experience mood improvement during positive events and show symptoms like increased appetite, oversensitivity to criticism, and a feeling of heaviness, among others.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Mentioned below are the common symptoms of depression:

● Persistent bad mood
● Notable fluctuations in weight or appetite
● Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) or insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
● Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
● Diminished interest or enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities
● Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
● Alterations in physical activity (either reduced movement or restlessness)
● Overwhelming fatigue
● Thoughts, plans, or attempts related to suicide

How to Cope with Depression?

These are some of the most important strategies for effective depression and stress management:

● Exercise regularly, which releases endorphins to improve mood and lower stress levels.
● Restricting social media avoids comparison with others and negative self-talk.
● Building good interpersonal relationships offers support and minimizes feelings of loneliness.
● Practising mindfulness and refraining from overcommitting alleviates stress and maintains mental equilibrium.
● Having quality sleep is helpful in maintaining emotional stability and mental function.
● Maintaining a healthy weight and diet provides the necessary nutrients that support mental health.
● Professional assistance through medication and counselling, along with follow-ups, can help reduce depression.

Knowing that one has depression is the first step towards healing. Guard your mental and physical health today by opting for the Star Medi Classic Insurance Policy.

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