Depression is a mental health disorder that causes individuals to experience continuous feelings of a loss of interest in various activities, sadness, and other common symptoms. People who have depression might experience difficulty participating in or completing normal day-to-day activities. Here’s more information regarding the five most common types of depression.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that causes individuals to experience episodes of psychological depression. The symptoms that are associated with MDD are:
- Changes in weight and sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is a type of depression that does not present the typical characteristics and symptoms of depression. With atypical depression, some of the same symptoms of major depressive disorder are present with atypical depression, but atypical depression causes you to experience a burst of happiness during a positive event. Symptoms of atypical depression include:
- Excessive eating
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Excessive sleep
- Intense sensitivity to rejection
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar disorder or bipolar depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by various periods of abnormally elevated moods, referred to as mania. Some periods are not as severe, which is known as hypomania. This depression disorder can affect a person’s sense of reality. Symptoms of bipolar depression or bipolar disorder include:
- Disorganization
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Low or loss of self-esteem
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is brought on by the hormonal shifts during pregnancy and more extreme than “baby blues.” Symptoms, including irritability and mood changes, are not uncommon after childbirth, but the symptoms of PPD can be more severe and last longer. Some of these symptoms include:
- Severe mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Appetite changes
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Feeling hopeless and helpless
- Trouble bonding with the baby
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) or dysthymia, is a type of chronic depression that can involve mild, moderate, or severe effects. This type of depression can last for at least two years. Some people may experience brief periods of happiness and not feeling depressed, but this feeling only lasts two months or less. The symptoms of PDD are not as severe as MDD, but they are long-lasting and include:
- Anger and irritability
- Feelings of guilt
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low self-esteem
- Excessive sleeping
Over eight percent of Americans deal with depression or report feeling depressed. Anyone seeking mental health treatment should know they are not alone. There are various medications and other treatments that help individuals cope with the effects of depression. The first step to getting better, feeling better, and regaining control of life is seeking professional help.
