Types of Depression

Everyone periodically experiences “the blues”. Given the struggles that are associated with life, this is normal. However, when your daily mood consists of constant sadness and getting through the day is a constant struggle, you’re likely suffering from depression.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that makes an individual incapable of functioning normally. The sufferer has no joy in life and instead feels “doomed” on a regular basis. While this mental illness makes all its sufferers feel hopeless about life, the type of depression they suffer from can vary. The following information explains the different types of depressions. They are outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a publication by American Psychiatric Association.


Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression):

This disorder has two additional names: major depression and clinical depression. It is the most severe form of depression and is most common among women. While some people experience this disorder for a day, others have it for weeks, and others battle clinical depression their entire lives. Oftentimes, a life crisis such as unemployment, low self esteem, financial distress, a loved one’s death, and divorce can trigger major depression. Chronic illnesses and a family history of depression can also cause this depression. Some individuals develop major depression without experiencing any sort of turbulent change. Regardless of its development, major depression is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain.

Major depression’s symptoms are physically obvious. A sufferer may gain or lose a mass amount of weight, their appetite changes, and their energy level is low to the point of fatigue. Despite this fatigue, they may have problems sleeping, or they may sleep too much. While they may lack concentration, their thoughts are constantly focused on death. They may even attempt suicide. These suicidal thoughts stems from their feelings of worthlessness. Along with these symptoms, they are joyless. Some individuals express their illness by constantly crying; others express theirs through substance abuse.

Although major depression is serious, it is treatable. Help is available through a therapist. Antidepressants when combined with psychotherapy are effective forms of treatment. Hospitalization in most cases is not necessary.


Manic Depression:

Manic depression is also known as bipolar disorder. It is a combination of mania and depression. The exact cause of this complex illness is unknown; however, it is proven to be genetic. Manic depression normally appears between the ages 15 and 24. Most individuals endure it for a lifetime, thus making it harder for them to lead a normal life.

One of the major symptoms of manic depression is rapid cycling. This is when mild mood swings become intense, either gradually or suddenly. Other symptoms include sleeplessness for days, paranoia, and distraction. A person battling this disorder may become more talkative than usual and have rushing thoughts. Worse, however, is the risky behavior they may engage in for pleasure. This can be overspending or careless sexual encounters.

The severity of manic depression often requires hospitalization in order to prevent the sufferer from harming themselves or others. Furthermore, antidepressant and mood stabilizers such as lithium are combined for treatment.


Postpartum Depression:

Postpartum depression is onset by childbirth. This is because a woman’s estrogen and progesterone drops, causing her to feel physically exhausted. In addition, her blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism contribute to fatigue and mood swings. Psychological changes associated with childbirth are also crucial in triggering this depression. Postpartum can happen between 24 hours and several months after delivery. Whether a woman is having her first child or her third, postpartum depression can strike.

Since postpartum depression affects a woman physically and emotionally, the symptoms are heavily based in these areas. Fatigue, withdrawal, sleeplessness, decreased libido, and mood swings are just a few symptoms. Sometimes major depression develops from these symptoms.

Treatment is available for postpartum. Counseling may be necessary, along with medication such as an antidepressant. Hormone therapy may also be used for treatment too.


Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder, is a mood disorder that occurs yearly at the same time. It normally begins in either fall or winter and concludes in spring or summer. Given that it occurs around the time of the holidays, it is sometimes referred to as the “holiday blues.” Regardless of when it happens, seasonal affective disorder is caused by hormonal changes in the brain, which happen during certain times of the year. It is believed that seasonal change, such as shorter days and less sunshine triggers SAD. Furthermore, SAD is experienced by more young women than any other group.

Seasonal depression has the same symptoms as other depressions, but with a few exceptions. During the winter, seasonal depression causes an increase in appetite, especially for carbohydrate foods such as cake, chocolate and potatoes; weight gain; trouble concentrating; an urge for sleep; and a desire to be alone. Summer, on the hand, brings decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and weight loss. It is also common to experience heaps of energy during this time of year.

The treatment is slightly different than that used for other types of depressions. For example, you may be advised to go outside in the early morning hours for increased exposure to natural light. This recommended treatment may be substituted with light therapy.

Light therapy, or phototherapy, requires a light box or a similar device for lighting. You use this object to shine directly into your eyes. Your doctor recommends how many times to do this method. Like other depressions, seasonal depression can also be treated with antidepressant medications. In some cases, both a light box and an antidepressant are combined for treatment of seasonal affective disorder. Psychotherapy is another recommended treatment. It gives the sufferer a chance to acknowledge and deal with their illness.

Regardless which depression you are suffering from, you do not have to settle in its agonizing pain. Depression hurts, but you can stop the pain.