The Many Forms of Depression

There are different forms of depression. There is situational depression, which is normal for anyone, and then there is clinical depression which is severe and can basically run your life. Even if you think you may be going through situational depression you should still talk to someone about it just to be safe. Depression can be serious, and can lead to suicide. It is not something to be taken lightly. A lot of people think that being depressed means that you are showing signs of weakness, or that you are just over emotional. Men especially feel that this is true.

Men tend to express depression differently than women. Instead of showing they are having feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness, they show other signs of depression. These signs can include anger, aggression, reckless behavior, violence, and substance abuse. Men are also at a higher risk of suicide then women are. They may also complain of fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies.

There are many signs and symptoms of depression, however the difference between situational and clinical is the length and severity. Depression gives you feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest on daily activities, appetite or weight changes, sleep changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of energy, self-loathing, and concentration problems.

There are many forms of depression including clinical (major), dysthymia (recurrent, mild), postpartum, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Clinical depression can make life almost unlivable. It gives you loss of interest in everyday activities and must continue for at least two weeks to be considered major. Dysthymia is a type of depression that can cause you to feel as though you have always been depressed. Postpartum depression occurs in some women after childbirth, from being sleep deprived, and adjusting to new parental responsibilities. SAD is when you have feelings of depression caused by more gloomy weather especially during the winter months.

Depression is not just a chemical imbalance, and can not simply be cured with medicine. Treatments vary by the type and cause of your depression. Situational depression is cured by changing the situation causing the depression. Clinical depression can be caused by a number of things, such as biological, physical, and social factors. Genetics, early childhood trauma or abuse, loneliness, lack of social support, recent stressful or traumatic life experiences, alcohol, drugs, finances, employment, health problems, and chronic pain are all factors of depression. Treating clinical depression can be difficult. You should start by asking for help. Make necessary lifestyle changes, seek professional help, and learn about you depression. Medication may often be prescribed to help with some forms and factors of depression.

Depression is not something you should go through alone. With the high risk of suicide, you should always tell someone when you feel you are going through depression. Having someone by your side can literally save your life.