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Types of depression
Depression comes in many shapes and sizes. For example, some people experience long-term mild depressive symptoms, as is the case with dysthymic disorder. Meanwhile, other people struggle with severe depression, or go through alternating periods of highs and lows, as is the case with bipolar disorder. This means, that although depression comes up frequently, there are huge differences between how severe a depressive episode is and how long it lasts.
What are the different types of depression?
Bipolar disorder
When you have bipolar disorder, you alternate between upbeat and confident (manic) periods and periods when you feel depressed and passive. During a manic period, you feel like you can do anything: You have tons of energy, you feel active, and you often do things without thinking them through. When the depressive period arrives, it’s like a blanket is thrown over these intensely positive emotions: You feel empty, worthless, and too tired to do anything.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Sometimes you might suffer from depression without ever calling it that. You’ll go through several of the symptoms of depression, but to a mild degree. We’d call this dysthymic disorder if the symptoms persist for two years or longer. Dysthymic disorder is considered a mild variant of depression. This means that it’s sometimes difficult to tell that you’re suffering from it – and that it’s a good idea to seek help.
Pre and postpartum depression
Many women don’t exactly feel like they’re on cloud nine after giving birth to a baby – it’s more like they’re under a gray or black cloud. This doesn’t have anything to do with being a bad mother, nor does it diminish the joy surrounding the birth of a child. Due to the influence of hormones, stressful practical circumstances, and certain genetic and emotional factors, quite a large number of women experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and sadness after childbirth. Have these symptoms persisted for a long period of time? Then we would use the term postpartum depression. Some women also experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy. We’d call this prenatal depression.
Atypical
Atypical depression is a type of depression with distinctly different features from all other types of depression. Often the symptoms are mild and seem to completely contradict classic symptoms of depression. Yet atypical depression is actually quite common. Increased sensitivity to rejection, an increased need for sleep, and an increased appetite are all hallmarks of atypical depression.
Psychotic depression
It is common for people to lose their grip on reality during severe depression. This makes them see and experience things that aren’t really happening, they feel suspicious and find it difficult to draw logical conclusions as they struggle with untrue or strange thoughts. Psychotic depression is often an anxiety-inducing experience for both the person suffering from it and those around them. It is, therefore, classed as a severe form of depression.
Seasonal affective disorder
It gets cold, the days grow shorter, and there isn’t as much daylight. For many people, the fall and winter seasons trigger feelings of depression that range from mild to severe. A characteristic of seasonal affective disorder is its clear pattern: As soon as the seasons change and it becomes spring and summer again, the gloomy feelings disappear.
Summer depression
A much rarer variant of seasonal affective disorder is summer depression. For some people, the bright light and warmth of summer actually causes feelings of depression that disappear when it gets colder. The pressure to enjoy yourself also plays a role in this type of depression.
Depression comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe – it’s always good to take them seriously and address them. You can do this by following practical tips and taking lifestyle advice. But sometimes this isn’t enough. A consultation with a psychologist can offer you some insight into the nature of your depression and the treatment you require.
Mild, moderate, severe
Mild depression
Do you have less energy? Do you easily feel guilty or worthless, and do you struggle to concentrate? With mild depression, the signs of depression are already present, but they’re not so severe that they interfere with your daily activities. Have you noticed that you’re sleeping poorly, feeling restless, and that you’re stuck in a negative mindset? Take these symptoms seriously and look into whether you’re experiencing mild depression. By taking preventative measures you can reduce the chances of your depression getting worse.
Moderate Depression
With moderate depression, you generally have more difficulty carrying out your daily activities and responsibilities. You have low energy, trouble concentrating, and a gloomy or downcast mood. You may feel physically sluggish, indecisive, and/or experience feelings of guilt.
Severe depression
If you’re suffering from severe depression, then your depressive symptoms are so severe that you can’t go on with your daily life. You’re no longer able to work. Grocery shopping feels like too much of an effort. You’re not able to sleep anymore, or you sleep all the time, which means you aren’t able to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. You’re no longer able to socialize, and sometimes even caring for your children is impossible. Future, present and past – everything feels bleak and you have no hope that it will ever improve. This means that people sometimes think about death during severe depression, because dying seems less terrible than living with the depression.
Are you afraid that you won’t be able to break out of this negative spiral? Depending on your location, call one of the following numbers for immediate support:
- 116 123 (UK)
- 1-800-273-8255 (USA)
- 0900-0113 (The Netherlands)
Getting help from a professional
Are you suffering from depression and would you like a psychologist to help you reduce the symptoms? Talking helps.
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At iPractice, we use blended care. This is a combination of online and offline therapy. You’ll have face-to-face conversations with a consulting psychologist and you’ll also have access to an online psychologist in between.
Related symptoms
Depression
When you’re dealing with depression, you feel down, experience little pleasure, and often lack the motivation to do things. It can feel like everything is too much and that you’re on your own. These symptoms often last for weeks or even months. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, and in some cases, it may last for years. It’s important to take depression seriously. If you’re unsure or concerned, always reach out to your general practitioner or a psychologist.
My partner has a depression
Depression is hard on the person experiencing it. But for a partner or loved one of someone with depression, it is also very difficult. How can you best deal with the depressive symptoms of someone you care about? How do you help someone, while continuing to take good care of yourself? Read more about how to live with a depressed partner or loved one.
Dysthyme disorder
Dysthymic disorder is a mild but long-term form of depression characterized by a gloomy mood for extended periods and multiple symptoms of depression. Thoughts such as ‘This is just how I am’ may arise, but nothing could be further from the truth. Learn to recognize chronic depression, understand how it develops, and discover what you can do about it.
Postpartum depression
Giving birth to a child is always a significant event. In both positive and negative ways. Pregnancy hormones are rushing through your body. Your nights get shorter. And you’ve suddenly become a mother: It’s a huge responsibility. Sometimes the changes are so significant that the arrival of your child can lead to postpartum depression. Have you recognized symptoms of postpartum depression in yourself or your partner? Read on to learn more about postpartum depression and what you can do about it.
Cope with depression
When you suffer from depression, you are stuck in your own negative patterns. Breaking free of these patterns can be difficult. Acknowledging your depressive symptoms is the first step upward. Once you have reached the point of acknowledgment, you can try the tips below to deal with depression.
Depression treatment
I have depression, what now? When you are in the midst of depression and can no longer see for yourself how to get out of this negative spiral, professional help may be a solution. Timely treatment of depression is important. Read more about how to effectively treat depression and the different therapies.
Get help from a Depression psychologist
Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about feelings and symptoms. In addition, you will receive information about a suitable treatment that suits you.
- Reimbursed healthcare with a rating of 9+
- Direct help without long waiting times
- Free, no-obligation treatment advice