Stages of Depression

Depression is a common mental disorder, but it mustn´t be taken lightly. Many people struggle with it and go through various stages of depression. The concept of stages is not universally agreed upon, making people still wonder, does depression have stages?

We will share with you the best-known frameworks and provide you with different answers to the question: how many stages does depression have? More importantly, we will provide you with input on the treatments available at the We Level Up Washington State Behavioral Health Center and how they can be of help.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions daily. Common symptoms of depression include:

• persistent sadness
• hopelessness
• loss of interest in activities
• changes in appetite and weight
• sleep disturbances
• low energy levels
• difficulty concentrating
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Depression is a global health concern, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. An estimated 21 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.3% of all U.S. adults.

Although worrisome, depression is a treatable condition. We Level Up mental health facilities in WA and our professional staff have been supporting clients struggling with different types of depression and various levels of severity and helping them achieve lifelong well-being.

Causes of Depression

Causes of depression vary: you might experience prolonged sadness and an inability to cope due to a personal loss, like the death of a loved one, but also loss of health, loss of a job, or loss of an opportunity. In addition to that, different factors can make one more sensitive to developing depression or contribute to its development and progression. These factors include:

• Biological factors: Imbalances in brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, may play a role in depression. Genetic factors can also contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to depression.
• Environmental factors: Certain life events, such as trauma, loss, abuse, or significant stressors like financial difficulties or relationship problems, can trigger or exacerbate depression. Chronic exposure to adverse environments, including a dysfunctional family, social isolation, or ongoing stress, may increase the risk as well.
• Psychological factors: Negative thinking patterns, low self-esteem, a history of trauma, or certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or a tendency to ruminate, may contribute to the development or persistence of depression.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders, can increase the risk of developing depression.
• Medications or substance abuse: Some medications, such as certain types of beta-blockers or corticosteroids, can potentially trigger depressive symptoms. Substance abuse, including alcohol or drug use, is also associated with an increased risk of depression. In cases where depression and a substance abuse problem co-occur, you should look for help from dual diagnosis treatment centers in Washington State.

Depression after the Honeymoon Stage

Depression after the honeymoon stage is a term used to describe a phase that some individuals may experience in their journey through depression. It involves a shift from the initial stages of depression, often characterized by denial or milder symptoms, to a deeper and more pronounced depressive state.

Similar to the stages of grief, which include the depression stage, the stages of depression itself can vary in terms of intensity, duration, and the specific symptoms experienced.

Does Depression Have Stages?

The concept of stages of depression is not universally agreed upon within the fields of psychology and psychiatry. Still, there are some frameworks that attempt to describe the progression or varying intensity of depressive symptoms.

How Many Stages Does Depression Have?

The best-known ones are the 5 Stages of Depression model and the 4 Stages of Depression model by Dr. Kupfer.

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What Are the Stages of Depression According to the 5-Stage Model

According to the 5-stage depression model, there are five common emotional stages individuals may experience while navigating depression.

1. Denial or Numbness: In this stage, individuals may experience a sense of emotional detachment or numbness. They might deny or downplay their depressive symptoms, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives.
2. Anger or Frustration: As depression sets in, individuals may experience frustration, irritability, or anger. They may question why they feel this way or direct their anger toward themselves, others, or external circumstances.
3. Bargaining or Seeking Solutions: During this stage, individuals may try to find ways to alleviate their depression. They may make promises to themselves or seek external solutions, hoping to regain their sense of well-being. This can involve attempts to change their lifestyle, seek alternative treatments, or make deals with themselves to overcome their depressive symptoms.
4. Depression or Despair: This stage represents the depth of the depressive experience. Individuals may feel overwhelming sadness, a loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and an overall sense of hopelessness. It’s during this stage that professional help is often sought to address the severity of symptoms.
5. Acceptance or Recovery: In this final stage, individuals begin to accept their depression and actively engage in seeking support and treatment. They may work with mental health professionals, explore therapy options, and make lifestyle changes to promote recovery. While complete recovery is the ultimate goal, acceptance of the condition and actively pursuing effective strategies can lead to significant improvement in overall well-being.

Stages of Depression: The 4-stage Model

Dr. David Kupfer, a psychiatrist and researcher, proposed the “stage model,” which outlines four stages of depression based on its severity. The stages are as follows:

1. Stage 1: Mild depressive symptoms: This stage typically involves mild symptoms that may be transient or intermittent. Individuals may experience feelings of sadness, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. However, they can still manage daily functioning and may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive disorder.
2. Stage 2: Moderate depressive symptoms: In this stage, depressive symptoms become more persistent and pronounced. Individuals may experience a greater impact on their daily lives, such as difficulties with work or relationships. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness may intensify, and self-esteem may decrease. It’s common to seek professional help at this stage.
3. Stage 3: Severe depressive symptoms: This stage involves severe and pervasive symptoms that significantly affect an individual’s functioning. Daily activities become challenging, and individuals may struggle to maintain personal hygiene, attend work or school, or engage in social interactions. Suicidal thoughts may arise, and it is essential to seek immediate professional help.
4. Stage 4: Treatment-resistant depression: This stage refers to a prolonged and severe form of depression that does not respond well to standard treatments. It may persist despite attempts at various therapies, medications, and interventions. Individuals with treatment-resistant depression often require specialized care and may benefit from alternative treatment options, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Not everyone’s experience of depression fits neatly into these stages, and individuals may exhibit different symptoms or progress through them in a different order. Additionally, depression is a complex and multifaceted condition, and other models and frameworks exist that offer alternative perspectives on its stages or subtypes.

Grief As One of the Stages of Depression

The depression stage of grief can involve a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Individuals may feel a sense of emptiness, experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, have difficulty concentrating, lack energy, and may isolate themselves from others. It’s important to note that these symptoms may vary among individuals, and not everyone will experience them in the same way or order.

While the depression stage of grief shares some similarities with clinical depression, it is a normal response to loss and should not be pathologized unless it becomes prolonged or significantly impairs daily functioning. Grief is a unique and individual process, and it is essential to allow oneself to move through the stages at their own pace, seeking support from loved ones or professional help when needed.

How to Address Stages of Depression

Various treatments are available for treating the stages of depression, and the most appropriate treatment option depends on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their depression. Here are some common treatment approaches:

• Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves working with a trained therapist to explore and address the underlying causes and triggers of depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectic-behavioral therapy (DBT) are two widely used and evidence-based psychotherapies for depression.
• Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help alleviate depressive symptoms by balancing brain chemistry. Typically, a psychiatrist or other healthcare professional will prescribe and oversee medication.
• Support groups: Joining support groups or participating in group therapy can provide a sense of community, validation, and shared experiences, which can be helpful for individuals with depression. Support groups can be in-person or online.
• Alternative and complementary therapies: Some individuals may benefit from alternative or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness meditation, or herbal supplements. However, consulting with a healthcare professional before pursuing these approaches is essential.
• Lifestyle modifications: Making positive changes in lifestyle habits can benefit mood and overall well-being and complement professional treatment. This may involve establishing a regular sleep schedule, engaging in enjoyable activities, socializing with supportive individuals, and reducing stress through relaxation techniques.

We Level Up Washington relies on all of these treatment approaches, no matter how many stages depression has. We combine them and tailor a unique depression treatment in Washington based on your needs, preferences, and circumstances. The goal is to not only alleviate depression but also develop lifelong coping skills that will help you manage any future mental health issues.

FAQs on Stages of Depression

Seek Help for Depression

Depression is not a state to ignore, even when you present only mild symptoms of it. It can easily progress to more severe stages of depression and make it very difficult to function and feel joy.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a medical condition that requires understanding, compassion, and support. By promoting open conversations, raising awareness, and challenging stigmas associated with mental health, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals affected by depression.

Seek professional help to deal not only with symptoms but also with underlying causes of depression. Contact We Level Up Washington and get free advice on how to deal with your mental state.

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Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health. “Major Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health, 2023, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.
• National Institute Of Mental Health. “Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health, Mar. 2023, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression.
• American Psychological Association. “Depression.” Https://Www.apa.org, 2021, www.apa.org/topics/depression.