How to Identify the Types of Depression

Depression has perhaps been the most widely used term to describe feelings of being down and out or deep sadness. Many times, when one experiences something that is very distressing one usually associates that accompanying emotions as part of depression. Perhaps it is not really incorrect to say that depression is one often overused word.

In normal everyday language, it is perfectly understandable to claim that you are depressed over something, but in psychology, depression is something more serious that just feeling blue. It is perfectly normal to be sad over things and occasionally feel down and discouraged, but if these feelings are so intensely persistent to the extent of even sometimes interfering with your usual habits, with your interactions with others or with how you deal with life issues, then you may be suffering from what is technically known as depression.

Just knowing however, that you have depression doesn't just end there. It also becomes pertinent to determine what kind of depression you are going through for proper intervention. There are many different kinds of depression, but given below are some of the most common kinds.

Major Depression

This is perhaps the most dangerous and critical kind. Major Depressive episodes are not continuous, but continual. Although an episode may last for at least two weeks, other episodes may follow at a different time. This kind of depression may develop if an individual is unable to cope or overcome the normal sadness experienced in real life situations. A person for example who has lost a loved one but is unable to accept the loss even after a reasonable period of time and sinks into episodes of depression may have developed Major Depression. This is a dangerous condition since it may lead to attempts at suicide. Suicidal teens have at times expressed that they want to die because of the depression they feel over something or over life in general.

Dysthymia

This kind is less alarming than Major Depression but lasts longer, extending to over two years at a time. This kind is usually characterized by depression that has become so much a part of the person that it seems almost okay to be depressed about life and still go on with it. In other words, people with this condition can still function with some level of normalcy in life. They may be able to go to school, work, watch movies, eat, but because they are depressed, tend to see life in a negative light.

Bipolar Disorder

This is more popularly known as Manic Depression and should actually fall not as a kind of depression but as a Mood Disorder. In Bipolar Disorder, persons experience the extremes of two poles, depression and mania. For a period of time, a person with this condition may be thoroughly depressed but then may gradually shift to being happy. Observable symptoms include changes in sleeping habits, changes in appetite, and changes in the number of activities engaged in.

Post-Partum Depression

This kind is actually quite well known, but is experienced only by women. Those who have just given birth may experience this due to shifting hormonal changes. Although it is quite normal to feel tired, exhausted and even sad after giving birth, it becomes a form of depression if the sadness lasts longer than a few days.

Depending in the kind of depression a person is going through, it is always advisable to seek expert help.