Understanding Depression: Recognizing the Key Stages & Symptoms

Depression is a mood disorder with identifiable stages. A male or female must suffer from the symptoms for a period of at least 2 weeks before depression can be diagnosed. It is often triggered by trauma, loss, illness, loneliness and/or financial worry. When you fall into a depression, you experience intense pain and deep psychological despair.

Pessimism

• When depressed, she develops a pessimistic outlook on life that prevents her enjoyment of pleasurable experiences and activities.

Poor Appetite

• His favorite foods are no longer of interest because his appetite is affected by continuous suffering that consumes his mind and body.

Sleep Disturbances

• She either sleeps too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia) in her attempt to escape the pain of depression.

Self Blame

• Feelings of guilt, shame or worthlessness control him as he tries to accept his loss.

Suicidal Thoughts

• Morbid thoughts of death and/or suicide take hold. He may express the wish to die as a consequence of his depression.

Warning

• If you suspect someone is suicidal, get help immediately.