Depression is a mental condition in which a person feels sad, hopeless, empty or lonely for a longer period of time. It is a very common problem among adults and millions of people go through depression every single day. Depression is many times confused with loneliness and sadness but the case is actually the other way round. Long term sadness and feeling of loneliness even when you are surrounded with your family and friends are symptoms of depression. Those who go through depression lose interest in things they love to do, their hobbies, sex and other activities that once were dear to them.
Types of depression
- Major depressive disorder
It is also known as major or classic depression. This leads you into a very dark mood and the feeling of loneliness entails all your presence. Diagnoses of classic depression only occur when the person suffers from symptoms that hinder their day to day life on large scales for at least two weeks.
- Persistent depressive disorder
This type of depression is long lasting and is very common. The person experiencing persistent depressive disorder will have a constant low mood and may have symptoms for two or more years. Though this depression is not as dangerous as a major depressive disorder and can be cured with ease comparatively.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD
It is a condition of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that triggers depression in women a week before their monthly periods.
- Medication/alcohol triggered depression
Depression caused by medication or alcohol triggers mood changes. It is also called substance-induced depression which mainly occurs when someone stop taking up these drugs, alcohol or medicines all of a sudden.
- Depression due to illness
Depression can occur in people having some disease for a longer period of time. People with cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS etc are most likely to have depression. Mental illness such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and thyroid can also lead to depression.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
It is a childhood condition that results in angry and irritable mood, tantrums and inability to properly attend school. Children with DMDD have great risks of having depression and anxiety in adulthood.
- Bipolar depression
It is also known as manic depression illness. The symptoms included are unexpected mood swings and anger.
- Postpartum depression
It happens in mothers after giving birth to a child. Women may go through extreme sadness and may experience difficulty managing their new babies and caring for themselves. Men can have the same too.
–Seasonal affective disorder or SAD
Also known as seasonal depression, it happens in a seasonal pattern mainly during autumn or winter.
