Coping With Depression: Symptoms, Stages, and Recovery Steps

Depression has become a global epidemic, affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO),

• Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from depression.

• Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

• More women are affected by depression than men.

• Depression can lead to suicide.

In addition to suffering from symptoms such as extreme sadness or lack of energy, sufferers often experience anxiety, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, anger, impaired ability to enjoy things you used to enjoy, changes to sleeping habits, appetite changes, inability to concentrate withdrawing from friends, and thoughts of death or suicide. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school, and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.

Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. ~ WHO

Stages of Depression

Let's take a look at these four stages of depression:

Stage 1: Origin

Depression originates from internal factors such as genetics, family history, environment, diet, hormones, medical conditions, medication, etc. These factors create a predisposition towards depression that may get triggered under certain circumstances. There are many triggers for depression including life changes, death of loved ones, losing a job, financial problems, relationship issues, etc. If someone has been depressed before, they may experience depression again at any time. When this occurs, people tend to become self-absorbed and isolate themselves. In some cases, the cause of depression is not known.

Stage 2: Establishment

This is the stage where depression starts to settle in and things begin to go downhill. Insecurity and negative emotions start to loom large. You may find yourself feeling sad, apathetic, and lacking in interest. They gradually become a norm. You might start to notice that you're not as excited about the things you once took such pleasure in. Eventually, these feelings could lead to you feeling down and out. Depression is a condition where negative thoughts are constant and unending. Depression begins slowly and worsens over time. You might feel sad, hopeless, guilty, worthless, angry, confused, anxious, irritable, and/or have difficulty sleeping.

3. Lack of Interest in Activities You Once Loved

In the third stage of depression, a person no longer has much interest in anything he or she had previously enjoyed. Depression makes you feel like doing things you love isn't worth it anymore. He or she may lose interest in hobbies, leisure activities, sports, work, or studies. They may even lose interest in eating, sleeping, spending time with friends, family, and loved ones, or engaging in sexual activity with their partner or spouse. In some cases, they may go as far as becoming completely apathetic, making it difficult to recognize what caused their depression to begin with. When you stop enjoying something you once loved, it's difficult to motivate yourself to do it again. Your mind won't allow you to enjoy anything; it's only interested in negative thoughts.

4. Abandonment of Obligatory Activities and General Misery

The fourth stage of depression involves the abandonment of any obligation or duty. They've lost interest in almost everything, including family, friends, and even hobbies they once enjoyed. In fact, they may have given up on the entire idea of happiness altogether. They feel there is nothing left to live for, and they feel worthless. Sometimes, individuals who suffer from depression drop out of school or work. Other times, they stop taking care of their appearance, such as washing their hair. They might neglect their hygiene, start smoking, do drugs, or overeat.

Here are five quick steps to recovery from depression.

Step 1: Recognize that something is wrong and be honest about your feelings

Step 2: Get professional help if necessary.

Step 3: Take action.

Step 4: Find a way to overcome the problem.

Step 5: Realize that everything is going to be okay.

Learn more about depression in ways to overcome depression.

Worried about the cost or side effects of antidepressant medications? Here are 7 self-help ways to overcome depression without medication.