What Are The 5 Types Of Depression And Can You Determine Which One You Have?

Content Warning: The following article mentions topics related to depression and suicide. If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and is available 24/7. Additionally, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance can be reached in times of crisis by calling 988 or texting DBSA to 741-741.

Depression can take many forms, and it can be hard for some to identify whether they are experiencing a type of clinical depression, or if there is another condition causing them to experience symptoms of depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it's essential to know how to deal with depression effectively, whether that means seeking therapy, medication, or implementing self-care techniques like exercise and mindfulness practices. A licensed in-person therapist or physician can diagnose your depression, and online therapy can help you in navigating the symptoms and dealing with depression.

Symptoms Of Depression

When short-term grief or sadness becomes intense and includes feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depression nos may develop. Though people in your life may colloquially say they are “feeling depressed”, clinical depression is a medical condition that is diagnosed based on a series of symptoms. In many cases, having five or more of the following depressive symptoms for at least two weeks indicates the presence of depression:

• Feeling tired or lacking energy most days
• Low mood
• Feeling sadness or grief most of the day, especially in the morning
• Difficulty focusing, remembering details, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty or unworthy
• Sleep problems,such as inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
• Feeling restless
• Persistent thoughts about death or suicide
• Lack of desire to participate in activities that you used to enjoy
• Frequent headaches or body aches and pain with no apparent cause

Self-diagnosing depression based on these symptoms is not recommended.Your primary care provider or a licensed in-person therapist can provide you with a diagnosis. They may recommend treatments including medication and/or therapy, which can help you develop a plan to address your symptoms.

The cause of depression can be faulty mood control in the brain, genetic vulnerability, your environment (including stressful life events), medications, and medical problems. The combination of some of these may result in, or contribute to, the development of clinical depression.

Types Of Depression

• Major Depressive Disorder: Individuals who have major depression tend to experience a loss of interest in activities, even ones that they may have previously enjoyed. Other symptoms of major depression include trouble sleeping, decreased or increased appetite, weight change, loss of energy, despair, and feelings of worthlessness. In addition, suicidal thoughts may occur. The APA recommends different depression interventions based on age, but these recommendations may include medication, and various forms of therapy.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Formerly called “dysthymia”, PDD describespersistent or ongoing symptoms of depression that often last for two or more years. The symptoms of PDD are typically longer lasting but less intense than symptoms of major depression.Many people experiencing symptoms of persistent depressive disorder feel as though they can handle daily activities, but they may benefit from seeking professional help to reduce persistent symptoms of depression.
• Bipolar disorder: Commonly referred to as "manic-depressive disorder”, bipolar disorder can present with phases of mania, hypomania, and major depressive episodes that typically last two or more weeks. During depressive cycles, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms like those of major depressive disorder. However, unlike with major depression, antidepression treatment may not be recommended.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): As the name suggests, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by seasonally depressive episodes, which are particularly common during the winter months. As a seasonally recurring depressive disorder, symptoms are the same as major depressive disorder symptoms, including low energy, sadness, sleeping difficulties, weight change, and suicidal thoughts. The APA recommends individuals with SAD spend extra time outside to get more sunlight during winter months, eat a healthy diet, socialize, stay active, and get help from a licensed therapist.
• Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder affecting people after the birth of a child. Though commonly associated with mothers,anyone, regardless of gender, can experience postpartum depression. Some people may be at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression, including those with a history of:
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Economic instability
  • Limited social support from a partner, family, or friends.

How common is depression in your life? Do you believe you can beat it without help? Online counseling for depression and medications are commonly used to help address symptoms of postpartum depression.

What Type Of Depression Do I Have And What Can Be Done?

While there are many resources for information about depression online, you can only receive a diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional in person. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, you can make an appointment with your primary care provider for an initial evaluation.

Your provider may recommend seeking counseling for depression or therapy. They may also formulate a treatment plan for depression that includes regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help manage your symptoms. Many types of depression therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can be helpful tools to understand your feelings and develop strategies to manage your condition.

A 2021 peer-reviewed study of 6,132 adults found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective way to manage depression and anxiety symptoms. Online therapy from platforms like BetterHelp provides therapy that you can schedule from the comfort of your own home, and it may be more affordable than in-person therapy.