Depression Types

Learn about 3 different types of depression

There are many different kinds of depression and depression affects people very differently. Research suggests that depression has many different causes. Things like family history, personality, environmental factors, medical stressors or prescriptions, and drug and alcohol use can influence a person's likelihood to develop depression (beyondblue). Interestingly, age and gender can also influence your likelihood to develop depression (webmd). This article is going to discuss three different kinds of depression.

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The first depression disorder we are going to discuss is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This disorder is the most common depressive disorder in the United States and affects about 6.7% of adults in a given year (healthline). Someone struggling with this disorder is likely struggling with weight loss or gain, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and/or thoughts of suicide (webmd).

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The second depression disorder that needs to be addressed is Seasonal Affective Disorder aka Seasonal Depression or SAD. This disorder is a type of reoccurring major depressive disorder. It is generally only able to be diagnosed after symptoms (which are similar to MDD symptoms) persist for a period of over two years. Typically this disorder is experienced in the winter months, but it can be experienced in the summer months. It is thought that this disorder may arise because of changes in exposure to natural light or changes in bodily rhythms (healthline). It is estimated to affect 10 million Americans (psychologytoday).

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The third disorder we're going to talk about is Perinatal or Postpartum Depression. As much as 80% of new mothers experience this (healthline). It is generally brought on by hormonal changes after childbirth as well as the struggles of taking care of a new baby. It is also good to note that other risk factors include but are not limited to; a history of depression before the pregnancy, the younger you are the higher the risk, or marital conflict (webmd). The symptoms include loss of libido, difficulty sleeping, and/or frequent mood changes (webmd).

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If you are concerned about a friend and notice any of the following symptoms for an extended amount of time, please advise them to consult with a licensed therapist or psychologist:

- Increased appetite or weight gain (healthline)

- poor self-image (healthline)

- insomnia or excessive sleeping (healthline)

- lack of energy or concentration (healthline)

- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness (mayoclinic)

- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters (mayoclinic)

- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports (mayoclinc)

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It is also important to know that anxiety is a common symptom of depression and people struggling with both need to receive treatment for both. Remember that the best thing you can do for your friend is to encourage them to take control of their depression! Also please help them remember that it is okay to ask for help!

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Learn more:

1. “Common Causes of Depression.” WebMD, WebMD, 21 Oct. 2019, www.webmd.com/depression/common-causes-depression.

2. “Depression: Supporting a Family Member or Friend.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20045943.

3. Goldberg, Joseph. “Types of Depression: Major, Chronic, Manic, and More Types.” WebMD, WebMD, 16 Oct. 2018, www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-types#1.

4. Koskie, Brandi. “Depression: Facts, Statistics, and You.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 14 May 2019, www.healthline.com/health/depression/facts-statistics-infographic#1.

5. “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 7 Feb. 2019, www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder.

6. “What Causes Depression?” What Causes Depression - Beyond Blue, Beyond Blue, 2020, www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/what-causes-depression.