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What is Depression
At some point in your life you have experienced periods of
sadness, everyone occasionally has those feelings. For whatever
reason you experience this sadness, it is usually not permanent
and will pass within a couple of days. Unless of course you are
going through major grief.
When a person has what is referred to as a depressive disorder,
the disorder interferes, with their daily life. Many times causing
some sort of pain to themselves and for the people who care about
them. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who
experience it need help in getting better.
Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But
the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can
get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has
resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and
other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.
What are the different forms of depression?
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How Many Types of Depression are there?
The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic
disorder. Major depressive disorder, also called major
depression, is the most serious form of depression.
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In some people major depression may have occurred only once in their life. But, If you have experienced more than one
episode, chances are you will continue to experience them through out your life time.
This type of depression is defined as having a number of different symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to
work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities.
Please remember this site is only an explanation and cannot be used as a diagnostic tool. If you feel you
are depressed, seek out a professional that can help you. Do not try to cure this on your own.T
Many of the symptoms a person will experience during major depression are:
- Persistent sad, anxious or empty feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Dysthymia
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Dysthymia, is much different from major depressive disorder in that it is a long time depression, (two years or
longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or
feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their
lifetimes. Some forms of depressive disorder exhibit slightly different characteristics than those described above,
or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and
define these forms of depression.
Symptoms of Dysthymia are as follows:
- Chronically depressed most of the day for more days than not for at least 2 years. Some people report they feel to
always be down in the dumps.
- Poor appetite or over eating
- Insomnia or overeating
- Low self esteem
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- feelings of hopelessness
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