Types of Depression
 

There are two types of depression:

• Depression originating from a bad or disturbing event in your life.
  
• Depression which appears without apparent cause - the most common type.

The first of the above two types of depression is easier for you to tackle because the cause of depression is known. The first step is to deal with the event that triggered your depression. It may have started as a result of a death, an accident, a divorce or any other type of setback.

The second type of depression is more difficult to deal with as the source is unknown. It is the most common form of depression. It may vary from a feeling of the "blues" to a feeling that life has no meaning anymore. Two things are important:

- how much depression affects you

- how long you have had depression

This kind of depression is harder on you because others won't be so sympathetic as they would had there been an obvious cause for your depression.  

Winter Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

This is very common in countries which have cold, cloudy winters and little daylight or sunshine. I used to live in England and did suffer from this kind of depression. Now I live in Turkey and the difference is incredible. Sometimes the weather is fantastic - sunny and warm even in winter! It does affect your mood but everybody is different, if you are very sensitive to weather change you may suffer from depression at this time of year.

Get under bright lights for a few hours a day. Try brightening your home up and making it as light as possible with warm colours. I don't suggest a winter holiday to warmer climes as when you come back you could be in a worse state than before. Play some summery music!

Postnatal Depression

This is common form of depression and affects about 50% of mothers in the first few days after the birth. This is known as the"baby blues" and normally last a few days. Hormonal changes, a sense of anti-climax after all the anticipation and waiting and other worries associated with the experience of having a new baby.

10% however suffer symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, inability to cope, even hostility to the baby. Antidepressants are normally prescribed.

Bipolar Disorder

This depression is a mood disorder with manic episodes. Mood cycles vary with each person. Research  suggests strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder normally begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. This illness can be effectively treated and must be as it's very serious. Read this article: Borderline Personality Disorder v Bipolar Disorder

The medical coding diagnostic number for bipolar disorder is 296.0 

Manic depression

Depression including abnormally intense or irritable moods, that last for a week or more, and include behaviour disturbances and erratic thinking which cause problems in coping with life. 

Manic-depressives suffer from violent mood swings. Severe depression, "the blues," and normal mood are all points on the mood swing.

Should you be unfortunate enough to suffer from Bipolar Disorder or any type of manic depression you must see a doctor and seek psychological help. 

Psychologists provide support, education, coping skills training, monitor depression symptoms and encouragement to continue medical treatment. The psychiatrist monitors the medication that is necessary. 

Most people with manic depressive illness can be helped with treatment

Male Depression

There are two general descriptions of depression - Overt and Covert.

Overt depression is visible. Covert depression is hidden. What you see are the footprints or the defences a man is using to run from it. These can be drinking, womanising or becoming isolated.

Male depression is five times more likely to be covert than overt. Women can be covertly depressed but generally this is less common as women tend to be more expressive and open to seeking treatment.

Depression in men often is the root cause behind violent men who  beat their wives or children. 

Depression is treatable and these men need therapy. Unfortunately, covertly depressed men rarely seek help. It is almost always others (who persuade them to initiate therapy).

If you recognise this in yourself please get help - you owe it to yourself and to those you live with and who love you.

Discover much more about symptoms

Recommended Reading

#1 Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn't Teach You and Medication Can't Give You

#2 Overcoming the secret legacy of Male Depression 

#3 An Unquiet Mind - a remarkable personal testimony: the revelation of her own struggle since adolescence with manic-depression

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