Stages of Depression: The Impact of Worsening Symptoms

Having depression can get in the way of you experiencing important life events. Some days you may feel okay, like your symptoms aren't bad. But other days have you so down you can't seem to get out of bed. Maybe you should talk to someone, but is your depression that bad?

Over 18% of San Diego residents reported having a mental health condition, but more than 12% didn't receive treatment. Many try to cope on their own with little success.

Healthy U is here to bridge the gap to provide care for all stages of depression and mental health conditions. Let's talk about how depression varies and tips for managing symptoms.

The Four Stages of Depression

Depression is a life-long mental health condition that can be debilitating, especially when left untreated. Depression occurs at any age but typically begins in the late teen to early 20s. While there is no exact way depression manifests, it often starts in stages, showing precursors to the condition. You may not notice early signs of depression, but as they progress, they can interfere with your day-to-day life.

Phase 1: Prodromal

The prodromal phase of depression is the first sign that mood is changing. These changes may be subtle at first, with functioning staying maintained. Non-specific symptoms associated with depression will appear, including:

• Worry
• Irritability
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sadness
• Fatigue
• Sleep difficulties
• Changes in appetite

These symptoms will continue and become more interfering. Overall, your mood will reflect depression, and feelings of emptiness combined with loss of interest will cause difficulties in your daily activities. As this phase progresses, a full depressive episode will be on the horizon.

Phase 2: Experiencing a Depressive Episode

As depression continues, experiencing a full depressive episode is imminent. During a depressive episode, symptoms will be present for days, weeks, or even months at a time.

These symptoms are similar to the prodromal phase but will be more prominent and cause moderate to severe impairments. Daily tasks such as washing dishes or going to work will be exhausting. Hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed will no longer provide the same entertainment. You may find yourself eating too much or too little, causing changes in weight.

Experiencing a depressive episode is a key indicator that a depressive disorder may be present. If you are in the midst of a depressive episode, make a note of your mood and how long your symptoms last. A singular depressive episode does not necessarily mean you have a depressive disorder, but if you find they are occurring often, it is a good idea to talk with your doctor.

Phase 3: Identifying With a Depressive Disorder Type

Depressive disorders involve lasting symptoms of depression throughout life. There are different types of depressive disorders, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): This is the most severe form of depression, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and guilt. These symptoms last for most of the day, multiple days, over at least two weeks. Symptoms also include low motivation, withdrawal from friends and family, missing important events and tasks, and increased fatigue.
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): A chronic form of mild to moderate depression, PPD symptoms last at least two years. These symptoms, such as sadness and emptiness, may be less intense than major depressive disorder, but PDD can still disrupt daily life. Often referred to as high-functioning depression, it creates the appearance that the person is outwardly happy, even though they are feeling down internally.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Often called seasonal depression, SAD occurs at specific times of the year. This is typically during fall and winter due to reduced sunlight and limited outdoor activity. Symptoms usually improve with the arrival of spring and summer, though some experience SAD during these seasons. This is potentially linked to past trauma or unfavorable weather conditions.

Phase 4: When Healing Feels Impossible

Depression is chronic, meaning it doesn’t just “go away” on its own. When left untreated, depression causes serious feelings of hopelessness. The result is negative outcomes, including turning to substances to self-medicate. While this may seem to help at first, substance use will worsen depression symptoms over time. This leads to thoughts of self-harm, harming others, or suicide. Experiencing these thoughts needs to be taken seriously, and help should be sought immediately.

Though depression is manageable, there may be times that an episode reoccurs. This may be caused by life stress, a traumatic event, or a possible misdiagnosis. Talk with your care provider when a depressive episode reoccurs. They will be able to adjust your treatment plan accordingly and guide you in continuing to manage your depression.

Grief vs. Depression: Exploring the Similar Stages of Loss

While grief and depression share similar symptoms at times, they are two very distinct conditions. Grief typically comes from a deep loss, such as losing a family member, friend, or pet. These feelings create sadness, often accompanied by emotional ups and downs. These are based on having good and bad memories that trigger sadness and the joy of positive times. Grief tends to fade over time, though it can become complicated and require professional assistance.

Depression can be brought on with no clear cause, differentiating it from grief. While symptoms overlap, depression is more persistent and does not get better with time alone. Those with depression who experience grief often have a more difficult time processing it compared to those experiencing grief on its own.

Effective Tips for Depression

Depression doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying life and there are techniques to help you along the way. Here are some effective tips to try when you are experiencing a depressive episode:

1. Prioritize self-care: It can be exhausting thinking about having to brush your teeth or take a shower. However, implementing these small steps into your routine will help alleviate depression by lifting your spirits.
2. Express your feelings: Expression is a great way to get your feelings out and process them. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. Journaling, painting, singing, or exercising are some outlets to try when depression has you feeling down.
3. Talk to someone: Having a strong support system is crucial when feeling low. Talking with a family member, friend, or therapist can help give you insight and peace of mind when depression occurs.
4. Set attainable goals: When you are feeling good, it may seem easy to set a bunch of goals that will be achievable at the moment. Then depression strikes, and the list is daunting, leading you to feel guilty that you are not accomplishing them. By setting small, attainable goals, you increase your likelihood of success and therefore, improve your mood. Even if the list only says, “Pay this bill today,” crossing it off will create a good feeling.

Getting Help for Depression in San Diego, CA

No matter if you are in the early stages or late stages of depression, Healthy U is here to provide relief. Our depression treatment consists of daily therapies to develop coping skills and techniques, alleviating symptoms and making them manageable. Medication may also be a part of your treatment path, and our care team will work with you to find the right combination. There is no reason to let depression keep you from missing out on life—take the leap toward a brighter future today.