9 Different Types of Depression

Are you Depressed?

It's not an easy question to answer if you're a student during a severe slump, a new mother unsure of the source of her sadness, or a retiree dealing with the passing of a dear one. At times, every one of us has a gloomy mood. But, there is a distinction with depression. Persistent melancholy and a lack of interest in things that were once enjoyable are signs of this significant mood disorder. Depression is simply a catch-all term for various distinct mood states.

Mild, fleeting bouts of melancholy are one manifestation of depression, whereas severe, chronic depression that lasts for years can be just as debilitating. Major depression, the most severe form of depression, is included in the clinical depression definition.

Several mental illnesses have symptoms of depression, although there are many distinct forms. This is why it's crucial to consult a medical professional and have a correct diagnosis of depression to receive the most effective therapy for your specific kind of depression.

Seems like you could be experiencing one of these forms of depression −

1. Major Depressive Disorder is the most Prevalent Kind of Depression.

If you suffer from severe depression, you may experience and exhibit symptoms such as great sorrow, helplessness, depersonalization or a decrease in pleasure activities, fatigue, impatience, difficulty focusing, shifts in sleep or feelings of guilt, eating patterns, physical discomfort, and suicidal ideas. Major depressive disorder may manifest itself in a single episode, but it most commonly manifests as recurrent episodes over a person's lifetime.

Antidepressant medicines are the gold standard, although talk therapy can also be effective. The good news is that many people suffering from severe depression react well to treatment.

2. Dysthymia, a Kind of Depression You May Not Be Familiar With

Dysthymia is a specific form of depression characterized by a persistent poor mood that may persist for a year or longer. People can get by, but not at peak performance. Some symptoms of depression are a lack of energy, an inability to focus, a change in eating and sleeping patterns, and general sorrow.

Talk therapy is more effective than medicine for this sort of depression. However, according to some research, a combination of the two may be most effective. Dysthymic individuals may also be more susceptible to significant or clinical depression.

3. Sorrow After Having a Baby (Postpartum Depression)

Extreme sorrow, anxiety, exhaustion, isolation, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, the anxiety of damaging the baby, and a sense of disconnection from the kid are all symptoms of postpartum depression. This postpartum depression often begins shortly after giving birth, while it can manifest anywhere between days or months after giving birth.

Treatment may involve talk therapy and medication, but only if administered quickly by a trained medical professional.

4. Severe Winter Tiredness Linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

It's believed that between 4% - 6% of the US population suffers from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a kind of sadness that worsens with the onset of winter. Winter blues are standard, but SAD is distinguished by its worry, irritability, daytime weariness, and weight gain symptoms. Wintertime is associated with this melancholy, most likely because of the diminished availability of sunshine. The reason why some persons are more affected by this dimming of the lights is unclear. The symptoms are often modest, although they can be rather severe.

It is possible to cure this sort of depression with phototherapy or artificial light treatment, and it often begins in the early winter and lifts in the spring.

5. Atypical Depression is Often Misunderstood

Contrary to its label, atypical depression is really relatively common. Even some medical professionals feel this form of depression is underdiagnosed, suggesting that it may be more prevalent than previously thought.

Compared to severe depression, this form of depression is little understood. A characteristic symptom of atypical depression is a feeling of paralysis-like heaviness in the limbs, in contrast to the lightness that is a hallmark of severe depression.

It's possible for someone suffering from this form of depression to put on weight, increased irritability, and struggle in their interpersonal relationships. Low mood reactivity (improvement in mood in response to positive events) and a persistent tendency to be too sensitive to interpersonal rejection are other characteristics of atypical sadness.

6. Loss of Grasp on Reality, a Symptom of Psychotic Depression

Depression isn't usually thought of as a symptom of psychosis, which is a mental condition marked by disordered thinking or behavior, erroneous beliefs (delusions), and false sights and sounds (hallucinations).

Sufferers of this form of psychotic depression often withdraw within themselves, becoming silent and unable to leave the bed. Antidepressants and antipsychotics may need to be used together to treat the patient.

7. Highs and Lows in Bipolar Disorder

If you've ever had severe lows followed by tremendous highs, you could have bipolar disorder

Mania manifests itself through elevated levels of energy and enthusiasm, as well as a heightened rate of cognition and impaired decision-making. Depression and mania might alternate many times a year or even more frequently. Around 3% of the population suffers from this condition, making it one of the leading causes of death by suicide.

There are four primary forms of bipolar disorder, each characterized by different symptoms. As compared to Bipolar II, which is defined by hypomanic episodes (milder than manic episodes) in addition to depression, cyclothymic disorder, and other specific bipolar and related illnesses, Bipolar I is characterized by at least one manic episode.

Mood stabilizers are the standard treatment for this kind of depression.

8. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder 8: When Depression hits Women Every Month

During the second part of their menstrual cycle, some women experience a kind of depression known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Some of the symptoms are low self-esteem, worry, and erratic emotions. PMDD affects around 5% of women, although its symptoms are far more severe than those of PMS, which affects up to 85% of women.

When symptoms of PMDD are at their worst, they can profoundly impact a woman's social life and her capacity to carry on with her daily activities. Using antidepressant medication with psychotherapy and dietary changes may effectively treat this kind of depression.

9. Sadness Due to Life Circumstances

In the aftermath of a traumatic or life-altering event, such as the loss of a job, the passing of a loved one, or the end of a relationship, a person may have situational depression, also known as adjustment disorder.

Medications are seldom necessary for treating situational depression, three times more frequent than severe depression. The reason is: it usually clears up once the event has concluded. Yet that's no reason to disregard it: If situational depression symptoms persist, they may indicate severe depression.