Most people think of depression by grouping it into two different categories. There is the “regular” depression that most people experience from time to time. Another, more severe condition is called clinical depression, which requires treatment by a mental health professional. Thinking in such a binary way makes it harder to grasp the complexity of the disease. There are different types of depression that affect individuals in various ways. An accurate diagnosis can be vital in getting people the right help. If you’re battling depression and substance abuse, contact our team today at 855.478.3650 to learn about your treatment options.

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Major Depression

One of the different types of depression is major depression, commonly referred to as major depressive disorder. It’s what most people think of when they’re referring to clinical depression. People remain in a state where they find it challenging to take pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Other symptoms of major depression include:

Problems sleeping
Lack of appetite
Fluctuations in weight
Lethargy, or a general lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Thoughts of self-harm

People with major depression experience symptoms for periods of two weeks or longer. Mental health specialists typically recommend psychotherapy or antidepressants to ease symptoms. A stay in a safe residential setting where they can receive constant observation and treatment may also be a good option.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Another of the different types of depression is a persistent depressive disorder. It’s a state where people experience depression for at least two years. The term covers two conditions previously referred to as chronic major depression and dysthymia, or persistent low-grade depression.

People with persistent depressive disorder experience symptoms similar to those with major depression, though at a less severe level. Another distinguishing feature between the two is the length of time people live with the disease. Doctors may recommend mental health treatment through a combination of talk therapy and medication.

Bipolar Disorder

Individuals living with bipolar disorder experience periods, called episodes, of extreme highs and lows. The condition was previously known as manic-depressive disease. People who are living with bipolar disorder experience different symptoms depending on their current state. Those in the midst of a manic episode may experience the following conditions:

Very high self-esteem
Lack of sleep
Frantic thoughts
High levels of activity
Risk-taking behavior

The periods of extreme highs are often followed by depressive episodes, experiencing symptoms like:

Extreme fatigue
Mysterious aches and pains throughout the body
Feelings of hopelessness
Loss of self-esteem
Anxiety
Irritability
Inability to make decisions
Lack of organization

People with more extreme bipolar disorder conditions may experience bouts of psychosis, where they experience delusions and hallucinations. Medications for bipolar differ from those used to treat other types of depression but can help mood stabilization.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Sometimes the weather itself can bring about changes in a person’s mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that causes people to experience major depressive disorder during the winter months. The condition may be due to disruptions in a person’s circadian rhythm when seasons change. The light passing into a person’s eyes controls circadian rhythm, and the changes can lead to depression.

Many people go without treatment for SAD because they may not recognize what is happening. People in colder regions may be more susceptible to this type of depression.

Treatment for Depression

You should contact a mental health professional if you continually experience symptoms of depression that do not go away. One option for receiving mental health treatment is through a facility like Bayview Recovery Center. We offer a variety of treatment options to help people dealing with different types of depression, including:

Call Bayview Recovery Center at 855.478.3650 if you think you might benefit from treatment for depression or other mood disorders.

Major Depression

One of the different types of depression is major depression, commonly referred to as major depressive disorder. It's what most people think of when they're referring to clinical depression. People remain in a state where they find it challenging to take pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Other symptoms of major depression include:

Problems sleeping

Lack of appetite

Fluctuations in weight

Lethargy, or a general lack of energy

Feelings of worthlessness

Thoughts of self-harm

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Another of the different types of depression is a persistent depressive disorder. It's a state where people experience depression for at least two years. The term covers two conditions previously referred to as chronic major depression and dysthymia, or persistent low-grade depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Very high self-esteem

Lack of sleep

Frantic thoughts

High levels of activity

Risk-taking behavior

The periods of extreme highs are often followed by depressive episodes, experiencing symptoms like:

Extreme fatigue

Mysterious aches and pains throughout the body

Feelings of hopelessness

Loss of self-esteem

Anxiety

Irritability

Inability to make decisions

Lack of organization

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Sometimes the weather itself can bring about changes in a person's mood. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that causes people to experience major depressive disorder during the winter months. The condition may be due to disruptions in a person's circadian rhythm when seasons change. The light passing into a person's eyes controls circadian rhythm, and the changes can lead to depression.

Many people go without treatment for SAD because they may not recognize what is happening. People in colder regions may be more susceptible to this type of depression.

Treatment for Depression