Although feeling down is a normal part of life, persistent and constant feelings of sadness could mean that you have a type of clinical depression. There are many different types of depression. Events in your life cause some, while chemical changes in your brain cause others. With the right help, most types of depression are treatable. Whether you decide to pursue therapy, medication or a combination of the two, it is possible to lead a happy and fulfilling life even if you suffer from depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
One of the most common types of depression is major depressive disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression may occur only once during your life, but people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:
- Feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
Persistent Depressive Disorder
This type of depression must last for two years or longer. Much like major depressive disorder, the Mayo Clinic says “you may feel sad and empty, lose interest in daily activities and have trouble getting things done.” These persistent and constant feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem may affect your daily life including your relationships. Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder may include:
- Change in your appetite (not eating enough or overeating)
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Lack of energy, or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling hopeless
Bipolar Disorder
There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. These disorders may include symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression. These symptoms can cause mood swings and abrupt changes in behavior, which may result in difficulty functioning in everyday life. With bipolar disorder, symptoms of mania or depression typically last for several days or more. According to the National Health Service “if you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa. Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you are in a ‘normal’ mood, but the patterns are not always the same.” Typically, bipolar disorder cannot be treated in the same ways other types of depression can be. This is due to the manic or hypomanic episodes that also come with a bipolar diagnosis. To learn more about bipolar disorder, check out this article on the PatientsLikeMe blog.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that typically only occurs during the winter or darker months of the year. With the right medication or light therapy to make up for the lack of sunlight, most people can manage their depressive symptoms through this season.
Psychotic Depression
This type of depression is also referred to as major depression with psychotic features. Having all the same symptoms as major depressive disorder, this type of depression causes some added symptoms which include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Paranoia
With the right anti-psychotic medications, these symptoms can also be managed.
Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
This type of depression is typically triggered by a hormonal imbalance after a person gives birth. In the weeks or months following childbirth, some people may have a sudden onset of major depressive symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This type of depression is triggered by the hormonal imbalance at the onset of a menstrual cycle. Symptoms for this type of depression may also include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Irritability
Treatment Resistant Depression
On rare occasions, typical treatments for the various types of depression listed above may not work. Psychotherapy and medication work for most people suffering from depression, but if you find that your symptoms are not improving or they keep coming back, you may have treatment resistant depression. If you’re diagnosed with treatment resistant depression, your doctor might recommend some less conventional treatment options. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes helpful in this situation.
No matter the type, it is critical to seek help if you are suffering from depressive symptoms. It may not be a quick fix, but it is worth working with your doctor or other mental health professional to find the best treatment possible, even though it may take time and effort to try new approaches. Want to learn more about your depression? Join our depression discussion forum on PatientsLikeMe to chat with people just like you!