Depression: Types And Treatments

Depression often involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty completing everyday tasks and responsibilities.

What is depression?

Clinical depression is generally considered to be a mood disorder. Depression often goes beyond normal sadness or feelings of melancholy and can have a pronounced negative effect on the quality of everyday life. People living with depression often find it difficult to complete basic activities and frequently describe their experiences as one of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism. They may lose interest in hobbies and activities and withdraw from the world.

Depression can range from mild to severe and can accompany other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and eating disorders. Depression can occur over long periods of time and is sometimes tied to specific events, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. Symptoms usually persist for over two weeks for a diagnosis of depression, although some forms of depression can occur for a shorter length of time, as in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Common symptoms of depression

Depression can manifest differently in each person, but there may be a few common symptoms used to diagnose and classify different forms of depression.

Mental and emotional symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, persistent sadness, anger and irritability, low mood, trouble concentrating, and suicidal ideation.*

Physical symptoms can include persistent fatigue, aches and pains, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in appetite.

*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988 and is available 24/7.

People experiencing depression may behave differently than they normally would, withdrawing from family and friends or engaging in reckless or unusual behavior. They may have difficulty fulfilling responsibilities associated with work, school, or other areas of life. Many people also experience ebbs and flow to their depression, with more severe symptoms during certain times and less severe symptoms during others.

Types of depression

While many of the symptoms can be similar, there are generally considered to be multiple types of depression, with different circumstances surrounding each. To receive proper treatment, it can be important to know what kind of depression you may be experiencing, and a physician or mental health professional may help you determine the best course of treatment.

Major depression

Major depression is often viewed as one of the most common kinds of depression and usually includes many of the classic symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, lethargy, and lack of interest in normal activities. In 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that roughly 21 million Americans had at least one major depressive episode in the past year (a measure known as past year prevalence).

Dysthymia

Dysthymia can cause common symptoms with major depression but usually refers to a period of depression that has lasted two years or more. Sometimes called persistent depressive disorder, dysthymia may be milder than major depression, but it tends to be chronic rather than intermittent, and it usually persists regardless of external circumstances. People who have dysthymia also often experience major depressive episodes, often referred to as "double depression."

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder may be considered a seasonal form of depression that typically occurs in response to changes in weather and temperature. Symptoms usually begin in the fall and may last until the spring. This disorder is often associated with decreased exposure to sunlight. People with seasonal affective disorder may gain weight and experience challenges with energy levels and oversleeping.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder generally combines the lows of depression with the highs of mania. Sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder can cause periods of unusually intense emotions, often called mood episodes, which can significantly affect day-to-day life.

Perinatal depression

Perinatal depression can occur during and after pregnancy. It may include typical symptoms of depression, such as sadness, changes in sleep patterns, and anger and irritability. Perinatal depression can be influenced by the biological changes that occur during pregnancy, but it can also be a result of the unique psychological and social stressors during and after the birth of a child.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a form of depression that usually occurs cyclically according to a person’s menstrual cycle. People with PMDD typically experience exaggerated symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as well as symptoms of severe depression. They may experience cramping, aches and pains, persistent sadness, irritability, and low mood. The symptoms of PMDD usually differ from the typical symptoms of PMS in that they are typically more intense, especially regarding mental and emotional symptoms, and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.

Treatments for depression

There can be a wide variety of treatments for depression, from medication prescribed by a doctor to activities you can do yourself at home. Different people can experience depression differently, and different treatments may work better for some than for others. If you're living with depression, it can be a good idea to talk to a doctor about your options and to get a professional opinion before deciding on any new treatment plans.

Exercise

Exercise can be effective at treating the symptoms of depression. Exercise can flood the brain with feel-good chemicals that may improve your mood, including endorphins and beneficial neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Exercise can also distract you from other symptoms of depression and improve overall physical and mental health.

While exercise can have a positive effect on symptoms of depression, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to exercise when you’re experiencing depression. To reap the benefits of exercise, you might try focusing on an activity that you enjoy, whether that's a hike in the woods, a sport played with friends, or a simple yoga routine to start the morning. No matter what form your exercise takes, even 20 minutes a day can have a positive impact.

Sleep

Studies have shown that a lack of sleep and depression are often linked. A lack of sleep hygiene and poor-quality sleep have been linked to worsening symptoms of depression. Sleep can affect both the body and the mind, and a lack of sleep can have a negative effect on mental health, even after only a few nights of missed sleep. Sleep disorders, when coupled with depression, can have a significant impact on quality of life and can lead to more severe mental illness.

Although it can be difficult to control your sleep schedule when you're experiencing mental health challenges, practicing good sleep hygiene may help you get a healthy amount of sleep. It’s generally best to avoid stimulating objects and activities like phone and computer screens a few hours before bed. It can also be a good idea to eat a few hours before you plan on sleeping so that you have time to digest your food. You might also try to create an environment that is as calm and soothing as possible.

While insomnia and trouble sleeping are often common symptoms of depression, those experiencing depression may also find it hard to leave their beds. To prevent oversleeping, you might try leaving your blinds or curtains open to allow natural sunlight to wake you in the morning. You could also set an alarm for an hour or two before you need to get up and set aside that time to do something that makes you happy, whether that's reading a book, playing a game, making a nice breakfast, or going for a short walk.

Lifestyle changes

When you're living with depression, it can be more difficult than usual to do things you know are good for you and easier than usual to engage in self-destructive behaviors.

While lifestyle changes may not solve all your mental health concerns, they can be an effective way to set yourself on the right track to treating your depression. Eating well, taking care of yourself, and sticking to an established routine might mitigate the symptoms of depression. Although it can be tempting to self-medicate, steering clear of alcohol and other substances can be another positive choice. In addition to physical well-being, these changes may have a positive effect on your mental health.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Medication

Medication, prescribed by a doctor, can be a common treatment for depression. Medication types and dosages can vary based on the needs of the individual, and it may take a few different kinds of medication to find one that works well for you. It’s recommended that you speak with a doctor before starting or stopping medication. 

Therapy

People experiencing depression are often able to better manage their symptoms with the help of a mental health professional. While therapy can differ according to the needs of each person, it can be an effective way to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a neutral setting and to get professional advice and encouragement. Therapists can often help patients find coping strategies and better manage their symptoms. 

Although therapy can be helpful for those living with depression, it can be challenging to get up and out of the house when you’re living with this mental health condition. If you have depression, you may find that online therapy is a better fit for you because you can get the help you deserve from the comfort of your home. Online therapy has been demonstrated to be as effective as in-office therapy for depression and anxiety. 

With BetterHelp, you can participate in therapy via audio or videoconference at a time that works for you. Also, you can message your therapist via in-app messaging if you have questions or concerns, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.