Last Monday, in the first part of this two part series, we discussed the six stages of depression for men. Today our focus is the six stages of depression on Venus.
Remember that we use the word stages to indicate different levels and the different forms depression can take. Keep in mind that every woman is different and these are general patterns of depression. Also, it should not at all be considered as inevitable that a depressed woman will move through all these stages. There’s a chance that she will of course, but it is more likely that she will progress through one, or two, of these stages and then emerge from her depression.
As we did with men, we’ll touch on biochemical causes associated with depression in women. In many cases the good news is that a program of balanced nutrition and exercise can be the solution.
The six stages of depression for women are:
1. Worry and discontent. Depression starts when serotonin levels are low. If serotonin levels were normal, she could hold on to the optimism that she has plenty of support to deal with every aspect of a stressful life. But, with depleted serotonin, a woman feels a much greater need to talk about all her concerns. When that does not happen, her concerns will only increase.
2. Feeling overwhelmed. With increased worry and a feeling of insufficient support, a woman feels increasing urgency to solve problems related to her concerns. This sense of urgency stimulates her dopamine levels. With not enough time or support she quickly begins to feel overwhelmed. Brain scans of women in this state generally reveal excessive brain activity. Serotonin acts to calm the brain. A higher level of dopamine gives us energy to try to tackle many perceived concerns at once. But often, even this higher level of dopamine, won’t keep up with these increased levels of stress and when that happens a woman will begin to feel both helpless and hopeless.
3. Guilt and obligation. When a woman feels relaxed and free to give in a nurturing manner, oxytocin is stimulated. Without sensing that support, oxytocin levels drop and a woman begins to feel guilty that she is not doing more. To compensate she may indeed take on more tasks, but this comes at the price of addressing her own needs.
4. Resentment flu. Lower oxytocin levels signal enzymes in the brain to breakdown endorphins. Decreasing levels of endorphins will also lessen a woman’s sense of well being. This gives rise to feelings of resentment. She may become critical, judgmental, even petty. Now her need to give is overwhelmed by her feeling of being a victim. Unless she is able to get the sense of support she needs, she will spiral down into stage five.
5. Exhaustion and apathy. Having surrendered into the idea that, of course, she can’t do it all; dopamine levels drop and a woman senses herself falling into a state of exhaustion and apathy. At this stage offers of support are unfortunately rejected as a case of too little, and too late.
6. Loss of self-respect. Feeling defeated by the situation, her new motto is, “I don’t care what other’s think.” This stage is typified by low levels of dopamine and increasing serotonin. She loses self-control and experiences increased impulsiveness. If she is in an abusive relationship, she will tend to stay because she has convinced herself that she does not deserve a better life.
Remember, that most women will not pass the second stage of depression without coming out of this downward cycle. When a woman, or man for that matter, looks objectively at their support system and their diet and level of physical activity, they are far better prepared to handle the inevitable mood swings that we all face. Your best defense against depression is your ability to recognize these various stages and to respond accordingly when life events bring you down.
You can learn more about this subject in John Gray’s bestselling book, The Mars & Venus Diet & Exercise Solution.
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Great Sex Comes in a Variety of Choices
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Why Romances Makes Sense(s): All 5 of Them
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Our Top 7 Random Acts of Passion
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