Everyone gets the blues now and then or feels a little sad sometimes. However, clinical depression is a valid mental health disorder with many distinct variations. Similar to anxiety and addiction, depression can also worsen substance and alcohol use if not treated effectively. So it’s important to learn about the different types of depression and what you can do to gain better health. 

Understanding Depression

The American Psychological Association defines depression as “extreme sadness or despair that lasts more than days. It interferes with the activities of daily life and can cause physical symptoms such as pain, weight loss or gain, sleeping pattern disruptions, or lack of energy.” It also causes some people to lose the ability to concentrate, have feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and possibly delve into suicide ideation.

According to Mental Health America (MHA): 

• “Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 21 million American adults each year.”
• “While certain factors increase the risk of developing depression, it can affect anyone, at any age, and of any race or ethnic group. Depression is never a ‘normal’ part of life, no matter what your demographics or health situation.”
• “More women experience depression than men.”  
• “While most individuals with depression have a full remission of the disorder with effective treatment, only about 35 percent of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional.”

MHA also notes that people resist treatment “because they believe depression isn’t serious, that they can treat it themselves, or that it is a personal weakness rather than a serious medical condition.” 

Unfortunately, there’s not a single cause of depression, which sometimes makes it challenging for people to get the right form of treatment. However, here are some of the most common reasons individuals develop the illness:

• Biological. Changes in your brain’s neurotransmitters may be a factor.
• Cognitive. Negative thought patterns and self-talk and low self-esteem may contribute, too.
• Co-occurring diseases. If you’re also managing a chronic health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, it’s not uncommon to have depression, too.
• Genetic predisposition. Depression is one of many mental health disorders that is heritable. 
• Situational. The loss of a loved one, PTSD, sudden life shifts, and other circumstances may prompt depressive episodes.  

5 Types of Depression and Their Symptoms

Depression is a complex mental health condition that manifests in various forms. If you notice any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, talk with a mental health professional.

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

MDD is the most common type of depression and is characterized by severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. It may occur once in a lifetime or recur multiple times.

Symptoms:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities
• Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia, PDD is a long-term form of depression where symptoms are less severe than MDD but last longer. This condition also affects daily functioning and quality of life over an extended time.

Symptoms:

• Chronic feelings of sadness or low mood lasting for at least two years
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns

3. Bipolar Disorder

This condition involves mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs. The depressive episodes can be debilitating, while manic episodes often lead to risky behaviors.

Symptoms:

• Episodes of depression alternating with episodes of mania or hypomania
• During depressive episodes: symptoms similar to MDD
• During manic episodes: increased energy, reduced need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Only in recent years has SAD been acknowledged as a valid disorder. It’s often caused by changes in seasons, especially triggered by reduced sunlight exposure. Symptoms typically improve in the spring and summer.

Symptoms:

• Depressive symptoms that occur seasonally, typically in the fall and winter months
• Low energy and fatigue
• Increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Excessive sleep or difficulty waking up
• Social withdrawal or “hibernating”

5. Perinatal Depression 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, this diagnosis “includes depression that occurs during pregnancy (prenatal depression) and in the weeks after childbirth (postpartum depression).” It’s more intense than the “baby blues,” often affects a mother’s ability to care for her child and herself, and requires treatment to manage symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Severe mood swings, intense irritability, or anxiety
• Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or crying spells
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Changes in appetite
• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

It’s important to seek professional help if experiencing symptoms of depression, especially if you feel your alcohol or drug misuse may be related to or made worse by them. 

Find Therapeutic Addiction Care at Seabrook

When depression and addiction are present, treatment for both disorders is essential. At Seabrook’s four award-winning addiction treatment centers in New Jersey, you or a loved one have access to inpatient and outpatient care that focuses on addressing immediate concerns and forging a new path of wellness. Within the framework of The Seabrook Model, group, individual, and family counseling are integral components, as well as focused board-certified professional guidance and holistic therapies to help you manage your mental and emotional health more effectively. Ask for more details by consulting a member of our admissions team today.