We all have points in our lives where we feel down or sad.  It’s part of the human existence.  There’s no getting around it.  True depression, however, is different.  It is a mental health condition that can wreak havoc on the mind and body.  There are many kinds of depression that vary in intensity from mild to severe.  Therapy and medications are usually used to treat them but knowing exactly what kind of depression you have makes a difference in what kind of medication, if any, is suggested. 

The following are the main kinds of depression and what each of them look like

Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder – Major depression is also referred to as classic depression.  There does not need to be a reason for it.  This depression may cause problems with relationships or functioning in general.  Major Depression occurs when you have two or more of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer.

• • • Gloom or grief
    • Lack of interest in usually pleasurable activities
    • Changes is sleep or appetite
    • Unexplained aches or pains
    • Fatigue or lack of energy
    • Inability to feel joy, even at happy occasions
    • Lack of concentration, memory problems or inability to concentrate
    • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
    • Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm

Symptoms may last for weeks or even months.  Some people only experience this kind of depression once while others struggle with it over their entire lifetime and can be quite severe.  It is normally treated with therapy and medication.  These treatments aren’t always successful, and your physician may suggest Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in order to stimulate certain areas of the brain in order to alleviate symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder – Persistent Depressive Disorder has also been called dysthymia and chronic depression.  Moods may not reach the intensity of Major Depression but symptoms last two years or more.  The severity over that time can range from low to severe with brief times of relief usually lasting less than two months.  The main point being that the depression never really leaves.  As with Major Depression, this type is treated with medication and therapy.

Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder – Bipolar Disorder is marked by periods of mania or hypomania – feelings of extreme happiness – followed or preceded by bouts of major depression.  Manic Depression is the outdated term for Bipolar Disorder.  Some of those with certain types of Bipolar may experience episodes of hypomania more often than depression.  More severe cases may include hallucinations or delusions.  Again – this disorder is usually treated with medication and therapy however the medications differ from those given for other types of depression.

Perinatal Depression or Postpartum depression – Perinatal Depression occurs during pregnancy while Postpartum occurs after childbirth. These are more than “the baby blues” and moods can be just as severe as Major Depression.  Mood changes, anxiety, and irritability are normal after giving birth and can last up to two weeks.  Postpartum Depression, however, is more severe and can last much longer

Symptoms include:

• • • Low mood, feelings of sadness
    • Severe mood swings
    • Social withdrawal
    • Trouble or worries of bonding with your baby
    • Appetite changes
    • Feeling helpless and hopeless
    • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
    • Feeling inadequate or worthless
    • Anxiety and panic attacks
    • Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
    • Thoughts of suicide

Symptoms can sometimes lead to psychosis which includes confusion, hallucinations or delusions which require immediate medical attention.  If left untreated, symptoms may last over a year.  However, medication, counseling and/or hormone therapy can be very effective.  

Seasonal Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Seasonal Depression usually occurs during the winter months.  Symptoms begin during the fall and generally include:

• • • social withdrawal
    • increased need for sleep
    • weight gain
    • daily feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or unworthiness

It has been suggested that SAD is believed to be triggered by changes in the day-to-day rhythm of sunlight as it affects the body.  The disruption caused by the day/night patterns may lead to this type of depression.  Medication and even light therapy can be successful treatments.

Situational Depression – This type of depression looks a lot like Major Depression, the difference being that it is brought on by a specific event or situation such as:

• • • the death of a loved one
    • a serious illness or other life-threatening event
    • going through divorce or child custody issues
    • being in emotionally or physically abusive relationships
    • being unemployed or facing serious financial difficulties
    • facing extensive legal troubles

Being “blue” is a natural reaction to these types of situations, but Situational Depression happens when the feelings start to become out of proportion with the situation and start to affect daily life.  Therapy usually successful in relieving symptoms.