Different Types of Depression: What to Look For and How to Tell the Difference

Depression affects millions of people worldwide. Common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. For those who suffer from depression, these symptoms are usually present nearly every day and can make work, school, or spending time with loved ones incredibly difficult.

Under the umbrella term of depression are several types of depression, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder, or Postpartum Disorder, among others. Several types of depression exist because the symptoms and presentation of depression vary depending on factors like one’s brain chemistry, hormonal changes, or life circumstances. As a result, different types of treatment may be needed.

The Different Types of Depression

Everyone feels down from time to time. However, depression is a persistent sadness that doesn’t lift as easily. It may feel like a shadow following you, an empty feeling in your chest. With the different types of depression, symptoms can last from two weeks to several months or years.

Treatment for the different types of depression varies, but most counselors use a combination of talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, and time. In some cases, your physician may prescribe medication to take in combination with counseling.

The following are several different types of depression.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is what most people think of when they think of depression. Symptoms can be severe and last for at least two weeks, although many people experience symptoms up to a year without treatment.

Major Depressive Disorder episodes can return months or years after treatment. The risk for recurrence is higher the more often you experience depressive episodes. Up to 10% of people with Major Depressive Disorder will later be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

People with this type of depression are more likely to have thoughts of suicide, with roughly 10-15% taking their own lives. If you have suicidal ideations, seek help immediately. Major Depressive Disorder can make it feel like nothing will ever change. You may feel hopeless. This is only a symptom of the condition and is manageable with professional help.

Treatment may focus on talk therapy and identifying negative thought patterns. Your counselor will customize a treatment plan for you based on the severity of your symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by the lack of natural sunlight. People in areas with less sunny days during winter are more likely to develop Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Symptoms typically last four to five months, from early to late Fall to early Spring. The longer there is reduced sunlight, the longer this type of depression will last. Symptoms are usually worse in the winter when the days are shorter and only lift as the days grow longer in early Spring.

One way to minimize the effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder is to use a lightbox. Lightboxes produce light similar to natural daylight. This light boosts “feel-good” chemicals in the brain and lowers other chemicals, such as melatonin, which can leave you tired and sleepy.

A counselor may help you prepare for the Fall and Winter months with coping strategies, a lightbox, and lifestyle changes, such as daily exercise to boost serotonin and dopamine.

Postpartum Disorder

Fluctuating hormones can trigger a depressive episode, as seen with Postpartum Depression. This type of depression can develop as estrogen and progesterone drop, coupled with little sleep from the birth of a newborn.

Anxiety from becoming a new parent, financial strain, and an insecure environment or relationship can contribute to Postpartum Disorder. Many women feel sad and tired the first few weeks after giving birth. Still, Postpartum Depression can develop about the time the typical sadness wears away, usually a few weeks after the baby is born.

Postpartum Depression is more severe and can last up through the baby’s first birthday if left untreated. If you have thoughts about harming yourself or your child, contact help immediately.

Try to start treatment as early as possible. Report depression symptoms to your obstetrician or pediatrician as soon as possible to help them diagnose you correctly, then seek counseling help.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a mental condition marked by periods of manic behavior followed by depressive episodes. For example, someone with Bipolar Disorder may spend a few weeks being upbeat, moving quickly through life, and seemingly never sleep. Then, they fall into a depression for several weeks, sleeping all day, displaying mood swings, and thinking about suicide.

Bipolar Disorder is hard on families, and the person struggling with the mental condition may have problems at work with authority figures and coworkers. They may be conscientious for weeks at a time and then display an “I-don’t-care” attitude during the depressive episode.

Counselors may choose group therapy, talk therapy, family therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients manage symptoms. People with Bipolar Disorder may need to learn the skills to manage the condition for years.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder may have milder symptoms than those seen with Major Depressive Disorder, but the former can last years instead of several months. It is common for someone to experience depression for two years.

Chronic depression is physically and emotionally draining. Someone struggling with chronic depression may need to take medication and practice the skills learned in counseling sessions to lessen the symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder may lead to weight gain or loss, sleep issues, fatigue, and trouble making decisions and concentrating. These symptoms can cause problems at work and in relationships.

Counseling sessions may need to be extended compared to the sessions for other types of depression. Family and group therapy are also an option.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is similar to premenstrual syndrome, but the symptoms are more severe. Women struggling with this type of depression may have intense symptoms a few days before and during their period.

Women may experience pain accompanied by other physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness, headaches, and bloating. Emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, persistent sadness, and anger are common. Women may have trouble concentrating, and with the physical symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, they may find it difficult to work.

The combination of physical, emotional, mood, and behavioral symptoms can also affect relationships. Women struggling with this type of depression should seek help as early as possible. A counselor may recommend stress management, lifestyle changes, group therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Treatment for Depression

Treatments vary for depression. A counselor considers the different types of depression, the client’s symptoms and severity, and the client. Talk, group, couples, and family therapy are common to help loved ones get on the same page.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies negative thoughts and analyzes these thoughts and emotions. CBT also allows clients to change their behavior patterns, interrupting the thought-emotions-behavior cycle. Clients learn to catch and reframe negative thoughts, changing the attached emotion. This also allows them to change their behavior. CBT also works in reverse; changing behavior can lead to different feelings and thoughts.

In some severe cases, your primary physician may recommend medication to take while receiving counseling. Lifestyle changes are beneficial for easing symptoms. Try eating healthier foods and exercising daily. Exercise boosts mood naturally by releasing serotonin and dopamine and reducing hormones that contribute to stress and anxiety.

Self-care is vital in managing depression. Self-care is taking the time to do something for yourself that includes your senses and gives you a sense of peace. For best results, you want to practice a little self-care every day. Make it part of your routine. For example, maybe take a walk in nature every morning before work, read for fifteen minutes during your lunch break, and soak in a warm bath each evening before bed.

Ask a trusted loved one for accountability. If you feel confident, ask them to remind you of the skills you learn in counseling. Your counselor will teach you strategies to offset depression symptoms. Try each one and assess if they work for you.

Christian Counseling for the Different Types of Depression

If you suspect you suffer from one of the different types of depression, contact our office today to schedule a session with a Christian counselor. No matter the root cause of your depression, counseling can help you manage the symptoms. Give us a call today to get started.