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Types of Depression: Understanding Symptoms and Signs

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects a person’s mood, thinking, and behaviour. It can deeply impact one’s quality of life, as those affected often experience persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and low energy — making daily activities overwhelming.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression, making it one of the most widespread mental health disorders globally.

There are various types of depression, each differing in intensity, causes, and symptoms. Depression can appear in many forms, ranging from mild to severe. Understanding the different types of depression is crucial in learning how to cope and seek help when needed. It’s important to remember that depression isn’t just a passing mood; it’s a mental health condition that requires professional support and treatment. This is where the Estenarh platform steps in; it gives you access to licensed mental health professionals, all with the highest privacy and security standards.

Learn more about the types of depression and how to treat it through the Estenarh app. Download it now.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the classic and most common form of depression. It is characterised by persistent deep sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities.

People with MDD experience at least one major depressive episode lasting two weeks or more, accompanied by five or more symptoms. In many cases, the depression is recurrent, with episodes returning monthly, yearly, or sporadically throughout life.

When these episodes occur repeatedly without any periods of elevated mood, the condition is referred to as unipolar depression, a term previously known as clinical depression.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder often experience persistent symptoms that can last for weeks or even months, significantly affecting their daily quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Ongoing feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
• Changes in appetite, including loss of appetite or overeating
• Constant sadness and emotional heaviness
• Low energy levels and chronic fatigue
• Unexplained physical aches and pains
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Poor concentration and memory issues
• Indecisiveness in routine tasks
• Dark thoughts, including thoughts of death or self-harm

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously known as dysthymia) is a form of chronic depression marked by a consistently low mood lasting for at least two years or more. While it's generally less intense than Major Depressive Disorder, its long duration can significantly impact daily life and emotional well-being.

Many individuals with this condition can carry out their daily responsibilities. Still, they often struggle with a constant sense of sadness and a lack of enjoyment, making it one of the more recognised forms of depression.

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder

Common symptoms that may accompany this condition include:

• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Low energy and persistent fatigue
• Decreased self-esteem
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, lack of interest, overwhelming fatigue, and anxiety that can affect women after childbirth.

It may begin a few weeks before delivery, as hormonal changes significantly impact emotional well-being. In some cases, it can last for weeks or even months after giving birth, especially among women who lack emotional support or have a personal history of depression, making them more vulnerable to this condition.

Postpartum Depression affects about one in nine new mothers, making it one of the most common types of depression. It can impact women of any age, background, or socioeconomic status.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Common signs of postpartum depression include:

• Excessive anxiety
• Irritability and tension
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of energy and extreme fatigue
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the baby
• Overwhelming fear for the baby’s health and safety
• Difficulty managing the baby’s needs and providing care

Bipolar Depression

Bipolar Depression, also known as “Manic Depression,” is one of the most recognised types of depression. It’s a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings, where the person alternates between episodes of severe depression and periods of mania or high energy. During depressive episodes, individuals may experience deep sadness, loss of interest in life, and constant fatigue. In contrast, manic episodes involve excessive energy, impulsive behaviour, and inflated self-esteem.

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression symptoms fall into two categories: those linked to manic episodes and those related to depressive episodes.

Manic episode symptoms may include:

• Grandiose thinking
• Overconfidence or inflated self-esteem
• Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
• Rapid thoughts and pressured speech
• Impulsive decision-making without considering consequences
• Engaging in risky behaviours like overspending or reckless actions
• Extreme irritability or agitation
• In severe cases, hallucinations or delusions

Depressive episode symptoms may include:

• Deep sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
• Constant fatigue or low energy
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, which are more common in this type of depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s linked to seasonal changes, most commonly beginning in the fall and lasting through the winter months before fading away during spring and summer. While some may experience summer depression, winter SAD is far more prevalent.

SAD is believed to be related to reduced exposure to sunlight during the colder months. This can disrupt the body’s internal clock and affect neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin and melatonin, which play key roles in regulating mood and sleep.

Light therapy is one of the most effective treatments for SAD. It involves daily exposure to a bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight. Other helpful treatments may include psychotherapy and certain medications to help manage symptoms and improve overall mood.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

• Social withdrawal and reduced interaction with others
• Persistent fatigue and an increased need for sleep
• Increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates, often leading to weight gain
• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic Depression is an advanced form of Major Depressive Disorder accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions, causing the affected individual to lose touch with reality. These symptoms often revolve around intense negative emotions, such as overwhelming guilt, worthlessness, or obsessive thoughts about death.

Among the various types of depression, managing psychotic depression requires intensive medical intervention, including psychotherapy sessions with specialists, along with antidepressan and antipsychotic medications to help control the symptoms.

Symptoms of Psychotic Depression

Symptoms of psychotic depression may include:

• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Impaired speech or complete withdrawal from interaction
• Inability to get out of bed for extended periods
• Loss of connection with reality and detachment from surroundings
• Holding irrational thoughts or false beliefs (delusions)
• Motor disturbances, such as constant restlessness or rigidity

The Recovery Journey from Different Types of Depression

Finally, depression can be a difficult challenge, but it is not a path without an end. You can start treating depression now with determination and the right support, and overcome it to regain balance and happiness in life. Acknowledging the need for help is the first step toward recovery, so don't hesitate to seek support.

Our platform lets you easily connect with a team of experienced healthcare professionals. The Estenarh app allows you to book your sessions with just a click, ensuring complete confidentiality and the highest data protection standards. Start your recovery journey today.