Different Types of Depression

Published by editor | Filed under Depression

Depression can be redefined as a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and inability to enjoy usual activities. In fact it is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, feelings of low self-worth or guilt, loss of interest of pleasure, disturbed sleep and much more. The different types of depression are as follows:

Bipolar Disorder

This is a type of depression which is characterized by extreme highs and lows. These extreme alternate of highs and lows can make an individual feel that he is on an emotional rollercoaster.

Postpartum Depression

This type of depression is very akin to major depressive disorder. It actually occurs at a time following pregnancy when many females experience some type of emotional disturbance. All the major issues of child birth contribute to a potentially fragile state of mind and these feelings lasting over a long span are characterized by grief, tearfulness and irritability. All these pent up emotions are characterized as postpartum depression.

Cyclothymia

It is regarded as a milder form of manic depression and is alternated with mild bouts of depression. The symptoms are almost similar to those of Bipolar Disorder but occur at a less severe extent. The patients of this kind of depression face difficulty succeeding in their work and their irritability and unpredictable moods creates a lot of stress.

Dysthymia

It is a long term and less severe form of depression and the symptoms of this depression do not completely disable a person. In fact it keeps one from functioning at full steam. Those suffering from this kind of depression may have a predisposition for depression.

Existential Depression

It is a specific kind of depression and is brought about in an individual’s life by a crisis of meaning or purpose. In fact this kind of depression occurs when the individual is not involved in work or activities that feed the core self and has a strong connection with a person’s lack of success in finding his passion.

Atypical Depression

This is a very common type of depression in women. This kind of depression will go better in the initial stages but then the conditions will worsen. The characteristics which mark this type of depression are hypersensitivity, oversleeping, overeating and intermittent panic attacks.

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