Depression
is hard. Nobody chooses to live with this condition, but it impacts
men and women around the world indiscriminately. In fact, millions of
people deal with depression each year.
Most
people think of depression as feelings of sadness. The truth is that
the condition is often much more in-depth than this.
If
you suspect you have depression, diagnosis and treatment are
possible. One of the first decisions your doctor will make is to
diagnose your specific type of depression. Read on to learn more
about the different types of depression.
Major
Depression
Major
depression, also known as clinical depression, is extremely common.
People with this condition do not simply feel sad every once in a
while. They feel a pervasive sense of sadness or hopelessness.
Major
depressive disorder is characterized by feelings of anger, sadness,
tearfulness, and despair. The condition may throw off your appetite
or sleeping pattern as well. Ultimately, you may simply feel that
things aren't going to get any better.
Children
and teenagers may exhibit signs of clinical depression. Sometimes
symptoms fade away with time, but sometimes the condition carries on
into adulthood. Treatment is critical no matter the age of the
person.
Bipolar
Disorder
You
may have heard bipolar disorder referred to as manic depression. This
condition is characterized by shifts in mood, ranging from very high
(manic) to very low (depressive). Each case of bipolar disorder is
slightly different.
Several
types of bipolar disorder exist. Some people exhibit more low periods
than high periods, while others may experience the inverse. Some
people experience equal amounts of both emotions. Bipolar disorder
may also accompany other issues, like substance abuse, psychosis,
ADHD, or anxiety.
Seasonal
Affective Disorder
Most
often called SAD, seasonal affective disorder often goes undiagnosed.
This form of depression ebbs and flows as seasons change. Most people
with the condition will feel a sense of sadness with fall and winter,
but some feel this in spring or summer.
People
with SAD exhibit many of the signs associated with clinical
depression. The core difference is that the symptoms are associated
with a time of year. Those at higher risk for SAD include young
people, women, and those who have a family history of depression.
Seasonal
affective disorder is unique in that it may be treatable with light
therapy.
Persistent
Depressive Disorder
Many
people have never heard of persistent depressive disorder, also known
as dysthymia. Diagnosis of the condition requires a gloomy feeling
throughout most of the day for the majority of days for at least two
years. The condition lasts so long that people often do not remember
feeling any other way in their lives.
Individuals
diagnosed with this condition may have formerly been diagnosed with
clinical or major depression. The symptoms are nearly identical and
include low self-esteem, fatigue, sadness, anger, and difficulty
making decisions.
Situational
Depression
Situational
depression is incredibly common, and it typically accompanies a
traumatic event like death, divorce, or financial loss. This
condition is stress-related and typically short-term. Medication and
therapy may both be used to treat the condition.
The
symptoms are not dissimilar to other forms of depression, but these
may be more related to the situation at hand. Symptoms often include
sadness, lack of appetite, inability to sleep, and avoidance of
social situations.
Seeking
Depression Treatment
This
list is by no means a comprehensive look at the types of treatment
available or even the types of depression. Only a doctor can diagnose
depression with accuracy.
Comprehensive
Behavioral Health Associates Inc.
has
some of the answers to your questions about depression. Call today to
learn about your options for mental health treatment and counseling.
Help is here.
