Locked in, breathless, powerless, desperate and empty are just a few characteristics, that take hold in this first section. Those affected feel helpless, as if life has lost its meaning. They want to hide, to withdraw in order not to be a burden to anyone. Any kind of human contact is exhausting, feelings are withheld and hidden, smiles are faked. One feels powerless, as if you were floating in an absolute void and in danger of drowning in your own despair at any moment.

The debilitating emptiness is followed by pain, panic and cries for help, which demand everything from those affected. Heart palpitations, pain in the limbs and an unbearable agony, as well as the shame of confiding in someone, have to be overcome. This second stage of a depressive period is the transition between helplessness and the desire for help.

The last step of the depressive phase is the complete detachment from negative feelings. Freedom, joy, happiness and gratitude characterize this stage and symbolize the successful protection against further depressive falls into the deep hole of despair and self-pity. With their personal parachute, those affected are ready to safely overcome any situation and to permanently fight against severe depression.