It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that can last for weeks or even months. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and do not seek help.
In this article, we will discuss seven different types of depression that you may be suffering from. If you are feeling down or lost lately, it is important to seek professional help in order to get your life back on track!
1. Major depressive disorder:
Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is the most common type of depression. It can cause feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that can last for weeks or even months.
Symptoms include problems sleeping, eating, and concentrating; fatigue; feelings of worthlessness and guilt; thoughts of death or suicide; and physical symptoms such as headaches and body aches.
Major depressive disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
2. Persistent depressive disorder:
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that can cause feelings of sadness and hopelessness for at least two years.
Symptoms are the same for major depressive disorder. But what makes this kind of depression stand out is that it can be harder to treat because people usually don't seek help until they've had symptoms for months or even years.
Persistent depressive disorder is often treated with a combination of medication and therapy, but sometimes more drastic measures are needed (like electroconvulsive therapy).
3. Bipolar disorder:
Have you heard of bipolar people? They are people who experience extreme mood swings from happiness to sadness and back again.
These changes can last for days, weeks or even months at a time. Bipolar disorder is more common in women than men, but it affects both sexes equally well with symptoms ranging from mild depression (called hypomania) to severe highs called mania.
Bipolar disorder is treated with medication, therapy or a combination of both. The best treatment depends on each individual case and how severe their symptoms are at any given time.
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
Characterized by moods that change from one extreme to another, cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar disorder.
Women suffering from this condition have feelings of depression or anxiety that occur before menstruation and last for at least two days after it begins.
The symptoms are similar to those seen in major depressive disorder with the exception being less severe and less frequent.
The best treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder is psychotherapy or medication depending on each individual case, as well as family support.
5. Postpartum depression:
A baby's birth can be both exciting and overwhelming. While most women experience some mood swings after childbirth, some will develop a more serious form of depression called postpartum depression (PPD).
It's important to know the signs so you can get help if needed. The symptoms include anxiety, crying spells, and panic attacks.
They often start within one month after delivery, but they can also occur within six months afterwards.
The best treatment for PPD is medication along with psychotherapy and support from loved ones who understand what it feels like to go through this difficult time in life.
Postpartum depression should not be taken lightly because it can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions which can harm both the mother and her child.