A simple presentation of Types of depression
We will discuss the symptoms of depression in a short, clear and comprehensible way. KISS -- keep it short and simple (paraphrasing keep it stupid simple).
It is not easy to give an adequate definition of depression (see What is Depression). And it is not easy to create an appropriate list of essential symptoms of depression.
Everybody felt or will feel depression during his/her life. Depression is a certain state of our soul. If you observe yourself, if you introspect your soul, you will notice two basic motions in your soul. One is the upward movement, often described as elation, high mind, or elevation; while the other is a downward movement, described as depression, down, low spirits, sadness, sorrow, etc.
To know the symptoms of depression is essential. Let's go further...
What is the difference between depression as an illness and everyday sadness?
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The intensity and the depth of the pain become so unbearable that the patient often wishes the death. The sadness and the associated feelings spread all
domains of life.
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The depressed mood lasts long enough to be felt as an unalterable
state.
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It may occur spontaneously.
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Even if it has been triggered by a
real life event, it evolves autonomously (not depending from the real cause).
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Depressed mood resists being changed through reasoning or encouragement.
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It is associated with guilt, self-reproach, suicidal thoughts and physical symptoms of depression (a variety of unpleasant and painful bodily sensations).
Depression can be categorized by it severity: mild depression and severe depression. There is another classification of depression by the types of depression.
Let's see the symptoms of depression in different classes of depression.
What are the symptoms of a mild depression?
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Feeling sad and low, and tired
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Restlessness or irritability
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Sleep problems - insomnia or sleeping to excess
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Worry
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Weepiness, crying at inappropriate times
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Difficulty in concentrating, and forming and carrying out plans and ideas.
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Lack of appetite and spirit
If the above symptoms of depression describes your mood, please, use our free depression test.
What are the symptoms of a severe depression?
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Deep feeling of sadness, despair, misery, gloom and blackness
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Loss of affection towards oneself and others, empty mood
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A sense of failure, self-criticism, feeling of unworthiness, even self-loathing
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Loss of interest in life, in former favourite activities, inability to take pleasure in life
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Decreased energy, fatigue, sluggish.
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Loss of sex drive
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Loss of self-esteem and confidence
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Altered appetite, usually a loss of appetite and weight (seldom overeating and weight gain)
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Weight fluctuation
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Lethargy, slovenliness, apathy
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Insomnia or sleeping for long periods as a means of escape
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Thoughts of death or suicide, even attempt of suicide.
If the above symptoms of depression describes your mood, please, use our free online depression test.
There are different types of depression.
Here is a short list of them:
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Major Depression - The most serious type of depression, in terms of number of symptoms and severity of symptoms.
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Dysthymic Disorder - This refers to a low to moderate level of depression that persists for at least two years, and often longer.
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Unspecified Depression - This category is used to help researchers who are studying other specific types of depression, and do not want their data confounded with marginal diagnoses.
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Reactive Depression - This category describes depression that occurs in response to a major life stressor or crisis.
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Bipolar Depression - This type includes both high and low mood swings, as well as a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other depressions.
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