• Major depression: symptoms are disabling and affect your ability function normally at work, home and school. Usually symptoms strike daily for at least two weeks and are not induced by substance abuse or medication. Symptoms include: depressed mood, chronic sadness, fatigue, lethargy, guilt, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, insomnia, too much sleep, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, agitation, weight loss, weight gain, decreased sex drive, and frequent thoughts of suicide.
• Chronic depression: symptoms are not disabling; however, they are long-term, lasting two years or more. The symptoms of chronic depression are the same as those of major depression, but milder. If you suffer from chronic depression you may undergo one or more major depressive episodes in your lifetime.
• Atypical depression: while depression is evidenced by chronic sadness, atypical depression is marked by lethargy and sensitivity. Symptoms include: eating too much, excessive sleep, low energy, extreme mood swings tied to specific events, and excessive sensitivity to negative responses or dismissals.
• Bipolar depression: manic-depressive disorder is a sickness that triggers extreme changes in mood. Like a pendulum, your mood may swing freely from an extremely high, frenzied, hyper, sexually overcharged, overexcited state to an extremely low, dejected, miserable, aching, gloomy state. These periods of mania and depression are normally interspersed by periods of calm. Go here for more information on bipolar disorder.
• Seasonal depression: seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is triggered at the same time each year. Fall and winter are common times for seasonal depression to occur and spring and summer are common times for seasonal depression to end. Seasonal depression should not be confused with milder feelings known as winter blues or cabin fever. Symptoms include: depressed mood, tiredness, overeating, and weight gain.
• Psychotic depression: is when severe depression co-exists with another psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. One of four people admitted to a hospital for depression is diagnosed with psychotic depression. Symptoms of psychotic depression are similar to those of major depression marked by a break from reality. You may see or hear voices that don’t exist, experience illogical fears or have strange, unreasonable thoughts. Often, you may be aware that your thoughts are unsound and therefore experience feelings of shame and embarrassment. Symptoms include: quick temper, irrational rage, loner lifestyle, strange sleep patterns, a tendency to neglect personal hygiene, and confusing or incomprehensible communication skills.
• Postpartum depression: is a depression that affects new moms. It is normal for new moms to experience the baby blues; however, postpartum depression is marked by a major depressive episode within four weeks after delivery. Symptoms include: insomnia, change in appetite, extreme exhaustion, decreased sex drive, numerous mood swings, depression, hopelessness, worthlessness, and thoughts of death and suicide. Studies show that postpartum depression is caused by chemical, social, and psychological factors connected to having a baby.
