6 Forms of Depression: How to Spot Each One

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects over 264 million people worldwide. While it is commonly referred to as a single disorder, there are actually six different forms of depression that can manifest in different ways, bringing diverse challenges and feelings, and requiring distinct treatments.

Understanding the 6 Forms of Depression

Understanding the different types of depression can help those who may be struggling with the condition to identify their symptoms and seek appropriate help.

Let’s break down the six common forms of depression to better understand how they affect people.

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The Heavy Blanket

MDD is the most well-known and prevalent type of depression. It is characterized by intense and persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that can last for weeks or months.

Find Remedies and Resources for Major Depressive Disorder

Symptoms of MDD may also include loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide.

Everyday tasks can seem daunting, making it hard to get out of bed or focus on work. This form of depression may come and go over time.

Just recently, scientists have discovered that the way depression presents may be driven by the location and nature of our brain activity. Through brain cans, researchers were able to identify variations of depression. They also were able to determine the more effective forms of treatment for each type (medication, talk therapy, etc.). This breakthrough could enable dramatically improved means to diagnose and treat generalized depression in the future.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): The Unwelcome Guest

PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that persists for at least two years. While the symptoms of PDD may not be as severe as MDD, they can still cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Find Remedies and Resources for PPD

PDD includes symptoms such as low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, and lack of energy.

People who experience PPD often feel hopeless, with a general sense of being just “off.”

3. Bipolar Disorder: The Emotional Roller Coaster

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, talkativeness, and risk-taking behavior.

During depressive episodes, they may experience symptoms similar to those of MDD or PDD.

Find Remedies and Resources for Bipolar Disorder

This constant up and down can be exhausting and confusing, not just for those who have it, but for those around them too.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The Winter Blues

SAD is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in seasons, particularly during the fall and winter months, as our days become shorter and colder.

Remedies and Resources for SAD

It is thought to be caused by a lack of exposure to natural sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock and cause feelings of lethargy, sadness, and anxiety.

Symptoms of SAD may include carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, social withdrawal, and decreased energy.

5. Postpartum Depression: The Hidden Struggle

Becoming a parent is a huge change, filled with joy but also potential struggles. Postpartum Depression (PPD), sometimes referred to as Postnatal Depression, may be caused by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, or the stress and responsibility of caring for a newborn.

Symptoms of PPD may include irritability, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

PPD may catch new mothers off guard. It goes beyond the baby blues and can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that are so extreme they interfere with daily life.

The pressure to bond with a new baby can amplify these feelings, creating a hidden struggle for many.

Find Remedies and Resources for Postpartum Depression

6. Psychotic Depression: Distorted Reality

Psychotic Depression is a more severe form of depression that blends the deep sadness of depression with symptoms of psychosis.

Those affected may experience delusions or hallucinations, creating a distorted view of reality.

This form can make it hard to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not, leading to an immense sense of fear and confusion.

These symptoms can be frightening and may include thoughts of death or suicide. Psychotic depression is often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

How to Recognize Depression

Understanding these forms of depression is critical so that we can recognize the signs in ourselves and others. Each type brings its unique challenges, but with awareness, we can address them accordingly.

This why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression.

If we can identify the specific type of depression we are experiencing or work with a mental health professional to do so, it can help us get the most effective treatment and care.

Support is available for all forms of depression.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek professional help.

With the right resources and support, all forms of depression can be better managed, leading to a happier and healthier life.

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.