We all feel sad from time to time. It’s normal to feel down in the dumps after a rough patch in your life. These sad times are a crucial part of our lives that allow us to grow and appreciate the happy times that much more.

However, depression is far more serious than just feeling sad. It’s a persistent feeling of dread, hopelessness, and sorrow that interferes with one’s ability to function normally. A depressive disorder is a mood disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

Am I Suffering From Depression?

You may find yourself wondering – Do I have depression? If that’s the case, it’s crucial to understand the different types of depression. This way, you can receive some insight into what you’re going through. We do encourage getting diagnosed by a clinical professional to receive a more accurate diagnosis.

Some types of depression may be caused by events in your life, and others by chemical changes in the brain. Regardless of what type of depression you have, please know that it does get better. With the right help and treatment, you can get to the root of the depression.

Feel free to use this guide to get a better grasp of what type of depression you have, as well as educate yourself on the different symptoms.

Major Depression (Clinical Depression)

Major depressive disorder, also known as unipolar or clinical depression, is identified by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in external stimuli. If these feelings last longer than two weeks, then you may be suffering from clinical depression.

Symptoms will vary from person to person as everyone has their own set of unique circumstances. But, generally speaking, these are the universal symptoms of depression one can look out for:

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also referred to as dysthymia, is a continuous long-term and chronic form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, have low self-esteem, and experience an overall feeling of inadequacy. These emotions can last for years and may significantly interfere with your relationships, schoolwork, career, and day-to-day functioning.

The symptoms of PDD are similar to those of clinical depression. However, the most important difference is that PDD is chronic, with symptoms occurring on most days for at least two years. These symptoms include:

Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, is a complex disorder that likely stems from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors. Those with bipolar disorder experience mood episodes that involve clinical depression or mania (extreme elation and high energy). In between, there are periods of normal mood and energy where the person may seem like they are functioning normally.

The severity of mood episodes can range widely from very mild to extreme, and they can happen slowly or suddenly within a timeframe of days to weeks. There are different types of bipolar disorder as well. Below are the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes.

Symptoms of a manic episode include, but are not limited to:

Symptoms of a depressive episode include, but are not limited to:

Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression)

Peripartum depression refers to depression occurring during pregnancy or after childbirth. Did you know that an estimated one in seven women experiences peripartum depression? Women that give birth and struggle with sadness, anxiety or worry for many weeks or more may have postpartum depression (PPD).

A woman may experience PPD for a variety of different reasons. These reasons may include the physical changes resulting from pregnancy:

Recognizing the symptoms of PPD can help you determine when you need help. These signs and symptoms may include:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to the change of season. If you’re suffering from SAD, you may notice symptoms beginning and ending at about the same time each year. In either case, symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness and fatigue, start as moderate and grow in severity as the weeks go on.

Those who experience SAD in the fall and winter may experience symptoms of:

Those who experience SAD in the spring and summer may experience symptoms of:

Psychotic Depression

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 20% of individuals with depression have episodes so intense that they develop psychotic symptoms. Psychotic depression is a type of depression that occurs when a severe depressive illness includes some form of psychosis.

The psychosis could involve hallucinations (such as hearing a voice telling you that you are no good or worthless), delusions (intense feelings of worthlessness, failure, or having sinned) or another interference with reality. Aside from the general symptoms of depression, psychotic depression may also include signs of:

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is a cyclic, hormone-based mood disorder, it’s commonly considered a severe and disabling type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, only around 5% of women are diagnosed with PMDD.

The core symptoms of this type of depression are anxiety and a depressed mood. Although, behavioral and physical symptoms may also occur. The symptoms of PMDD generally show up the week before the start of a period and last until a few days after it begins.

The signs of PMDD may include:

Atypical Depression

Atypical depression is a subtype of major depression or dysthymic disorder that involves several specific symptoms. Atypical depression is similar to clinical depression, but with atypical features. This means that your depressed mood can brighten in response to positive events.

These specific symptoms include:

Situational Depression (Reactive Depression/Adjustment Disorder)

Situational depression is also referred to as reactive depression or adjustment disorder. It is a short-term, stress-related type of depression. Situational depression can occur after a traumatic event or a series of changes in one’s life. Examples of events or changes that may onset situational depression can include (but not limited to) divorce, job loss, loss of a friend, getting very sick, and relationship issues or changes.

Situational depression stems from a person’s inability to accept the change that has occurred. The majority of people who experience situational depression begin to have symptoms within about 90 days following the event.

Symptoms of situational depression may include:

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

DMDD is a type of depression that has been discovered fairly recently. In 2013, it appeared for the first time in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). DMDD is a psychiatric condition that’s typically only diagnosed in children.

The key symptoms of DMDD are identified as:

In addition to the above symptoms, diagnosis generally requires that:

Seek Help For Any Type of Depression Today

If you’re struggling with any type of depression, don’t shy away from getting help. We understand that depression can be an overwhelming challenge to go through. You or a loved one may feel lost and hopeless about a better future.

But we’re here to tell you that it gets better. But you must take that first step. Progress requires effort. Our rehab programs offer many different forms of treatment from therapy to support groups. With the right treatment plan, you can set forth towards a better life.

Our mission is to help you live the life you deserve. We’ll help you get the treatment you need. Call us here 1st Step Behavioral Health for more information about available programs.

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