Understanding Different Types of Depression
Depression can come in many different forms. Depression does not discriminate and can impact those who feel like they have their needs met. Remember it’s okay to not be okay and to seek more help and understanding about what depression is and how therapy could be helpful. Below is a basic list of different types of depression and the symptoms. Please refer to a mental health professional to get more information about depression and whether or not you experience depression. This list is not to diagnose and if you would like a diagnosis please refer to a professional. Also, if you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of harm please reach out to crisis services including the number 988 via text or call.
Clinical Depression
This type of depression may be most acknowledged by most mental health professionals and individuals when thinking about depression. This depression also goes by the name of Major Depression Disorder.
Some symptoms include:
Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and sadness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in things.
Fatigue, or insomnia.
Decreased concentration
Changes in appetite
Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
This depression occurs when there is changes of the season. Where in clinical depression the seasons wouldn’t matter as much when thinking about impacts on symptoms. Most symptoms occur late fall or early winter and go away during spring and summer. Symptoms may start mild but increase or decrease as the seasons progress.
Some Symptoms include:
Oversleeping
Appetite changes
Tiredness and low energy
Increased irritability
Feeling more down during these seasons.
Agitation and restlessness
Post-Partum Depression
This type of depression occurs in women after childbirth. Symptoms can appear 1- 3 weeks after childbirth and last for a while afterwards. This is not the same as feeling a little sad after a few days of giving birth but instead something that continues for weeks.
Some of the Symptoms include:
Feelings of having trouble being able to bond with your baby.
Feeling depressed and sad most days.
Having trouble with sleeping including too much or too little.
Experiencing feelings of shame, and guilt.
Having mood swings that impact your functioning.
Constant negative thoughts and feelings about how you are as a mom.
Feeling the need to put pressure on yourself to be a certain way as a mom.
Atypical Depression
This type of depression is when some individuals experience a small boost in mood in response to positive events. This could also cause increased appetite. This type of depression is more likely to affect women than men.
Some possible symptoms include:
Increased appetite.
Mood improvement due to positive events or good news.
Hypersomnia
So maybe after reading some of these examples of depression you may be feeling like you can relate to some of these. If any of these resonate with you it is best to seek out more information and help from a mental health therapist. Here at Inward Counseling we are a team of therapists that see individuals, and couples in the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. We would be happy to meet with you and assess your specific needs. If you relate to any of the above describe about depression we can also help with that. Reach out to us to see if we might be a good fit for you to start therapy and to start feeling better. We look forward to hearing from you.
Click here for more information on Depression Therapy.