Depression as in many other disorders, is not a one size fits all. There are different types based on the time of episodes, the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms. To many people, depression is not just a mood disorder, it’s a tough condition most of them have to live with. The disorder affects a large part of their lives especially home and work-related.
What is Depression?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Depression is a common, serious but treatable medical illness that not only affects how you feel but also how you interact with the environment and society at large. Depression neither discriminates against any particular gender, age, social status nor upbringing.There is however, a difference in the types of depression, join us as we explore them below.
A.Major Depressive Disorder
Often called Clinical depression. Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common types of depression. A study by BMC Psychiatry, reports that the disorder affects more than 250 million people globally. Patients with chronic illnesses having higher risks for developing the disorder than other types of population demographic.
People with Major Depressive Disorder experience prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities that they found great before.
Major depressive disorder is not just a normal case of “bad mood”, it is a serious disorder that if untreated for a long time, can have an adverse effect on your daily life.
B.Persistent Depressive Disorder
Also known as Dysthymia. Persistent Depressive Disorder is a Mild long-lasting type of depression. The difference between Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder is that Persistent Depressive disorder has long-lasting but less severe severity in its symptoms. An example is that, individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder can experience a constant low mood that persists for at least two years.
Despite the symptoms being less intense, the overall effect the disorder has on the individuals life is serious affecting their daily functioning.
C.Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at different seasons of the year usually during fall or winter. The shorter days and reduced access to sunlight disrupt the creation of Serotonin, which is a hormone that affects your mood and appetite. The creation of Melatonin, a sleep hormone is also affected.
Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder include light therapy, exercise, healthy diets and medication.
D.Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is a type of depression that affects some women after childbirth. Some individuals make use of the name “baby blues”, however it is more intense and lasts longer with symptoms ranging from long periods of sadness, irritability and in more severe cases, difficulty bonding with the baby. Perinatal depression is a broader term that refers to depression during pregnancy and after giving birth. Postpartum depression can sometimes prove to be a serious problem if not treated quickly and effectively.
E.Bipolar Disorder
The World Health Organization defines Bipolar disorder as a mental health condition that impacts an individual’s mood, energy levels, activity and thinking.This condition is characterized by manic episodes, depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.
The disorder in itself is not exclusively grouped as depression, the symptoms, however, make it associated with depression.
This is a disorder in which the individuals going through it experience stigma and discrimination in their communities. It is important that we notice the signs and take action to help the victims. Individuals can lead successful lives with continued care and treatment.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of depression helps us break the stigma around mental health and the specific disorders associated, provide support to individuals going through depression and push for better health care for them.
If you are going through these symptoms, seek medical help or encourage the person you notice these symptoms in to seek medical help.
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