Depression and Grief in the 5 Stages Of Grief
Never underestimate the power of grief. The emotion is strong, often placing depression and grief hand in hand. But today we talk about the 5 stages of grief that is created by Elisabeth Kubler Ross & David Kessler. This stage involves a deep acknowledgment of the loss and a profound sadness because of it.
However, the depression stage can manifest itself in several ways. So, let’s go over what might happen if and when you enter into the “depression” stage.
Why Anger & Bargaining Turns to Depression
If you notice a progression of the stages thus far, you begin at a stage of complete denial. And eventually it leads toward feeling your genuine emotions. So, according to the stages of grief you go from being angry about the loss to begging for a little more time.
Once you realize that no amount of begging or bargaining will bring a loved one or relationship back, you begin to feel the sadness of knowing things will not be the way they once were. This is a stage where depression rears its ugly head.
In this stage, you’ve come to terms with the fact that these changes or losses are really occurring and that there’s absolutely nothing that you can do about it. In actuality, all you can do is cope with your emotions.
What to Expect In Depression and Grief
This is a painful stage, depression is a roller coaster of wondering what is the point and you may wonder if there’s a point of even continuing on with your life after this loss. After all, a major part of your life is stolen away and you don’t know if you’ll ever fully recover. So what is it like.
Grief and Depression Signs
Here’s what you might experience when you’re in the depression stage.
- Inability to sleep despite feeling extremely tired or fatigued
- Too much sleep, you just don’t want to face the world
- Appetite changes, whether you’re eating to cope or just avoiding food altogether
- Lack of control of your emotions, breaking down including crying and anger
- Emptiness and a sense of loneliness
- A lingering sense of anxiety
Though we can’t put a timeline on each stage of grief, the depression stage does tend to last the longest. At the same time, it’s practically the last stage of grief, as the next stage would be acceptance and returning to your everyday life.
Depression Stage Versus Actual Depression
Even though the depression stage is a completely normal stage of grief, there’s a point at which depression can become more severe. This is when depression from grief get a grip and turns into an actual mental health condition.
What is the Difference
So, how do you know whether your depression stage is actually depression? Typically depression tends to stick around a little longer than it normally would in the grief stage.
While those around you are slowly moving on with their lives and returning to normal, you are still engulfed in the sadness. This is a time when you may be unable to function as normal.
There are also some other effects that might become a little more severe, including….
- Suicidal thoughts or just thinking about ending it all
- Sleeping much longer than usual and have a hard time getting out of bed
- Developing regret or guilt for things you did or didn’t do
- Lack of enjoyment of activities or hobbies you once enjoyed
- Stop eating nutritional food and indulge in overeating, especially junk food
- Seeking potentially harmful distractions, gambling, alcohol or drugs
- Lack of self care such as neglecting hygiene like showering, shaving, or cleaning the house
If you notice that your grief is lasting a little too long and that you’re in a downward spiral, it’s important that you reach out for help, Talk to someone and seek a health professional.Or if you know of someone suffering with depression reach out and get help for them.
Final Thoughts on Depression and Grief
Depression is the last intense stage of the grieving process, but it begs to be felt. But, it also tends to be the longest stage of grief, so don’t be surprised if you have a low mood and intense sadness for a prolonged period of time. The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on the depression stage and get professional help if it seems to be turning into actual depression.
As mentioned in other articles people experience grief in unique ways. Unlike the stages of grief you may be hit with waves of emotion, like a roller coaster with high and low, and sometimes further lows. Be gentle and try not to judge yourself harshly. This is a time for self compassion. Moving through grief and loss takes time. Take it one day as a time, reach out for help and practise a little self care daily.
