People often hear about 'depression' and think of it as either something everybody goes through and just "passes" or as something serious enough to warrant treatment.
Unsurprisingly, so many do not understand the complexities of depression because it is, in itself, a problematic concept, and often, people mistake its symptoms as the condition itself.
While it's impossible to explain it all in one go, Stephanie Lyn Coleman MD wants to shed light on the seven common types of depression that more people should be aware of:
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common types of depression. Those that have this condition will experience the following symptoms:
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Disturbing thoughts of suicide
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite
Decreased ability to think and concentrate
Feelings of sadness that last for more than two weeks
Thoughts of death or suicide
Sometimes, these symptoms can be triggered by a life event perceived as stressful or negative. Some common stressors include:
Death of a loved one
Marriage or divorce
Gaining or losing a job
Changes in health status
Accidents or natural disasters
Retirement
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is also another form of depression that is less severe than a major depressive disorder. Those with this condition will experience the following:
Depressed mood that lasts for more than a year
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
Changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels
Frustration, irritation, or anger
Low self-esteem
Thoughts and fears of being a terrible person
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects 2% of the population in the United States. People with bipolar disorder may experience fluctuation in their moods. They may go from feeling unusually happy (manic or hypomanic) to feeling sad or hopeless, and sometimes, they may feel just fine. This is why it's called bipolar.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
Feeling unusually happy or energetic, spending a lot of money, hypersexuality
Frustration or irritability
Agitation or restlessness
Irritability or feeling easily annoyed
Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
Distractibility
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Trouble sleeping
Excessive talkativeness
Odd behavior
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder is tough. Make sure you are aware of the symptoms and try your best to help if you can.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can occur after giving birth. It affects about 3 to 7% of women after giving birth.
Women who have postpartum depression will experience the following:
Feelings of sadness and emptiness
Wish to isolate from loved ones
Feelings of guilt
Loss of appetite
Insomnia or oversleeping
Restlessness
Lack of attention
Feelings of hopelessness
Thoughts of suicide
These symptoms can be tough to manage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is one of the types of depression that only affects women.
These women will experience the following symptoms before their period:
Feeling very anxious and irritable
Feeling hopeless or suicidal
Feeling that life is meaningless
Feeling overwhelmed
Loss of appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling out of control
Trouble sleeping
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during certain times of the year. It usually happens during autumn and winter.
Those that have seasonal affective disorder will experience the following:
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Feelings of guilt
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Trouble sleeping
Irritability
Decreased levels of energy
Frustration or anger
Excessive irritability or sensitivity to criticism
Feelings of fatigue or loss of energy
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to have your doctor or mental health specialist look at you.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is a form of depression that is characterized by the following symptoms:
Feelings of sadness
Overall loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
Weight changes
Constant fatigue
Loss of sexual desire
Feelings of guilt
Self-loathing
Conclusion
Depression is a serious issue, and we can't go without mentioning that. It doesn't just affect the person suffering from it; it also affects the people around them. Many people think that depression is something that one gets over with enough time and effort, but depression, especially the major type, requires mental health treatment. It’s not something that you can simply wait to pass or subside. If you or anyone you love suffers from depression, it is important that you get them the help they need.
Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman can support your mental health with treatment for depression and other mental health concerns. Contact us today to set an appointment!