What Are the Different Kinds of Depression?

Depression plagues millions of people, many of whom don't know that they have a treatable problem and don't know who to talk to. Depression sufferers feel sad or despondent, and many feel alone or ashamed about their condition. While depression often wreaks havoc on a person's social life, career and personal relationships, it also leaves lasting physical affects in the form of headaches, stomachaches, backaches, fatigue and muscle soreness. The steps that one takes often depend on the type of depression they have.

Clinical Depression

• Clinically depressed people have cyclical depressive episodes. During an episode, clinically depressed people feel depressed and sad for the majority of the day for at least two weeks. Clinically depressed people tend to have dramatic changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, become sluggish or antsy, lose interest in social activities, develop a lack of concentration and may have suicidal thoughts.

Dysthmia

• Dysthymia sufferers have depressive episodes that last fewer than two months at a time for at least two years. Symptoms are generally less severe than those associated with clinical depression and include a slight change in appetite and sleeping patterns, fatigue, lack of self-confidence, lack of concentration and a general feeling of hopelessness. Suicidal thoughts are not usually associated with Dysthymia.

Manic/Bipolar

• People who suffer from manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, alternate feelings of extreme happiness and energy with feelings of depression. In some cases, sufferers only feel extreme happiness and don't cycle through depressive feelings as well. Other symptoms include a change in sleep patterns, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, lack of concentration, excessive movement or activity, and risky, promiscuous or unwise behavior.

Postpartum Depression

• Episodes of clinical depression that occur after giving birth are referred to as postpartum depression. They usually begin within a month of giving birth and can last for months.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• SAD is characterized by episodes of clinical depression that occur cyclically based on the seasons. Many people with SAD feel depressed during the winter months.

Psychotic Depression

• Clinically depressed people who experience hallucinations or delusions are experiencing psychotic depression.

Catatonic Depression

• Episodes of clinical depression accompanied by excessive, purposeless movement, an inability or unwillingness to speak, repetitive movements or repetitive chanting are classified as catatonic depression.