Stages of Death

It is estimated that close to 15 million people in the United States alone will suffer from a major depressive disorder each year. This mental condition called depression can be brought on by traumatic life experiences, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. Listed below are the five stages of depression to watch out for.

Five Stages of Depression

1. Feelings of Sadness

The first sign that a person may be experiencing depression is feelings of sadness. Thoughts of doom and gloom may be accompanied by sudden and unexplained crying spells. This will often follow a traumatic life change, such as divorce, death of a close friend or family member, and even the birth of a child.

2. Lack of Interest

Another sign of depression is the loss of interest in things that a person usually enjoys doing. The lack of enthusiasm that they feel may cause them to withdraw both emotionally and physically from family, friends and favorite activities that they would normally participate in.  Often this will happen without reason.

3. Feelings of Worthlessness

Depression can lead to feelings of worthlessness. The person may feel that their life no longer has meaning and start to ask themselves the question, “Why go on?” This could lead to sleeping for a longer period of time in an attempt to escape from what they feel is a hopeless situation.

4. Lack of Concentration

When a person is feeling depressed, they find it harder to perform simple everyday tasks, such as their usual household chores. Their inability to concentrate may also make it more difficult for them to follow and respond to normal conversations with friends and family members.

5. Thoughts of Suicide

The final and most serious stage of depression is having thoughts of dying, or the desire to die and no longer exist. Despair brought on by a traumatic life experience can make a person feel that suicide is the only answer – the only way out. The person may start to feel that they have no future and can no longer face the reality of a bleak existence. Some people go so far as to tell a friend or family member about their plans of committing suicide. They may also put their plans down in writing for others to find and read.  This is a very serious circumstance and should not be taken lightly by anyone.

People exhibiting stages of depression should seek medical assistance, usually by seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist.