It’s not just sadness: Are you familiar with the types of depression?

Depression is a black-and-white concept for many people: either you’re depressed or you’re not. But you might be surprised to learn there are several types of depression – and they can affect almost anyone. 

Depression is a condition that affects your mood, making you feel sad and causing you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed. 

Dr. Carolyn Gaebler, a psychiatrist at Aurora Health Care, notes that depression can develop from biological contributors, such as inflammation, illness and genetics. In fact, you’re about two times more likely to develop depression if it runs in your family.

Social, situational and psychological factors, such as trauma, grief and difficult life circumstances, can also be culprits. 

“Depression can look a lot of different ways, and it presents differently in each person. Some people show more anger, some show more sadness, some sleep more or less, and some eat more or less,” says Dr. Gaebler. 

Symptoms of depression 

The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include: 

• Feeling very sad, worried or hopeless 
• Not enjoying things that used to be fun 
• Getting frustrated or annoyed easily 
• Eating much more or much less than usual 
• Sleeping too little or too much 
• Feeling tired or low on energy 
• Having trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things 
• Experiencing physical symptoms, like headaches or stomachaches 
• Thinking about self-harm or suicide 

“Symptoms from certain medical and psychological conditions can sometimes mimic symptoms of depression. There’s also overlap between depression and conditions like bipolar disorder, alcoholism and PTSD,” Dr. Gaebler says. “A health professional can help untangle the symptoms from the causes so you can get an accurate diagnosis.” 

Types of depression 

Generally, what people refer to as “depression” is formally called major depressive disorder – a feeling of sadness or worthlessness for at least two weeks accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, a change in appetite or sleep disturbances.  

Major depressive disorder also includes these subtypes: 

• Atypical depression: Unlike major depressive disorder, atypical depression means your mood can temporarily improve when something positive happens, known as mood reactivity. Other common symptoms include eating more than usual and feeling very sensitive to rejection. 
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Thought to be triggered by the change in seasons, SAD typically begins in late fall as it gets darker earlier in the day. Other contributing factors might include vitamin D deficiency or a shift in your biological clock. 
• Prenatal and postpartum depression: These types of depression affect people who are pregnant or who have recently delivered a baby. Hormones, anxiety and physical changes from pregnancy and birth are some of the causes. 

Beyond major depressive disorder, the American Psychiatric Association recognizes the following types of depression as well: 

• Bipolar depression: Characterized by periods of extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression), this type of depression can present occasionally or multiple times per year. 
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Mild to moderate depression that lasts for more than two years. 
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Women who experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) before their period begins may also have extreme anxiety, depression or irritability that interferes with daily life. 
• Depression caused by medical conditions: Some conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, hypothyroidism and Parkinson’s disease, may cause physical changes in the body that result in depression. 
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): Usually beginning by age 10, DMDD is characterized by chronic, intense irritability and anger outbursts in kids. 

“If you’re struggling with depression, know that support and treatment are available to you,” advises Dr. Gaebler. “Depression is a medical condition, just like a broken bone or an illness. And just like other health issues, it most often responds well to treatment. You don’t have to manage or endure it alone.” 

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988. 

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