Learn How To Spot Different Types Of Depression

Depression looks different on different people and can range from mild to severe. Too often, people suffer silently. Identifying symptoms of depression can be difficult because it isn’t one-size-fits-all. No matter how mild the symptoms may be, depression is a serious condition. Having the tools to identify the different types of depression is necessary because unnoticed or untreated depression can have catastrophic effects. 

People often use the word “depressed” in general terms when describing feeling down or sad. However, when a person consistently feels down or sad, it might be something more serious. 

Here are a few types of depression:

Major Depression 

When a person has Major Depression, they may experience five or more of the following symptoms on most days for a minimum of two weeks. 

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed 
• Change in appetite – weight loss or gain 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thought of death or suicide 

Persistent Depression Disorder

When symptoms of depression last two years or more, it’s considered Persistent Depression Disorder. Persistent Depression is like Major Depression, but instead of five symptoms, a person only needs two symptoms plus the presence of a depressed mood, previously called dysthymia. 

Persistent Depression Disorder symptoms include: 

• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Trouble sleeping or increased sleeping
• Low energy or tiredness
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or making a decision
• Feelings of hopelessness 

Bipolar Depression 

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). Bipolar Depression is a lifelong condition that creates unusual mood changes. There is no defined length of time for a person with Bipolar Depression to experience a depressive episode. However, they may go from feeling depressed to feeling euphoria. 

Treatment for Bipolar Depression

Bipolar Depression treatment may include medicine, therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) treatment may be used for patients with severe, life-threatening depression that is unresponsive to other medicine. 

Postpartum Disorder 

Although bringing a life into the world is assumed to be a happy time, this isn’t always the case. When a woman gives birth, she may experience emotions ranging from excitement, anxiety, and fear.  

Hormonal levels change drastically in a new mother and directly impact her mental health. These emotions can make a mother feel depressed and contribute to the symptoms of Postpartum. 

Usually, symptoms start within weeks of delivering a baby but can begin during pregnancy or within the first year of giving birth. Postpartum symptoms can range from mild to severe, but regardless of the severity level, getting help as soon as possible is necessary because untreated postpartum can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for her child. 

Postpartum Depression symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Crying for no reason
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Increase in purposeless physical activity or slow movement or speech
• Fear that you’re not a good mother
• A feeling of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions
• Restlessness 
• Lack of interest in baby, not feeling bonded 
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Thoughts of suicide 

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD 

When seasons change, you may find your mood changing. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression directly related to the time of year. For many, this happens in the fall or winter months due to the reduced level of sunlight. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD symptoms include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite; usually an increase
• Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much
• Decrease in energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours 
• Increased activity (inability to sit still, pacing) or slow movement or speech
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Having thoughts of not wanting to live 

How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder 

• Increasing your exposure to sunlight 
• Light Therapy and Talk Therapy
• Psychotherapy 
• Antidepressants

Although Season Affective Disorder usually occurs around the same time every year, it’s important not to downplay these feelings at other times and seek treatment. 

Depression is more common than many people realize. You can spend time with someone daily and not know they are suffering from depression. 

If you suspect someone you know may be suffering from depression, encourage them to seek mental health treatment.  

Connect2Heal is an online directory where you can find a therapist or primary care doctor who can treat symptoms of depression. If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself, please call 911. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support. 

Suicide Prevention:  800-273-8255