Everyone has moments when sadness strikes, moments when crying feels good. But these moments pose a problem when these feelings of sadness, rather than improving, become worse. When you find yourself withdrawing from those around you--those who love you the most--it may be time to seek help. This condition comes in many forms; to receive the proper treatment, you must first recognize the characteristics and receive a proper diagnosis.
Major Depression
Major depression is considered the most serious of all depression types because of the number of symptoms it produces and the severity of these symptoms. However, as Psychology Information Online points out, these symptoms and their severity also vary with the individual. While you do not need to feel suicidal or be hospitalized to be diagnosed with major (clinical) depression, these are typical characteristics of those who suffer from it.
Depression Help Resource states that diagnosis occurs when symptoms last for most of the day, nearly every day for a minimum of two weeks. The main symptom must be a loss of interest in all or most activities or a depressed mood. This must also be accompanied by at least four more symptoms, which include but are not limited to significant change in weight or appetite, loss of energy, problems thinking or concentrating and insomnia or increase in sleeping.
Atypical Depression
Considered a subtype of major depression, atypical depression is characterized by a specific pattern of symptoms according to HelpGuide. There may be a brief improvement in mood when good news is received or time is spent with friends, but this lifting of spirits is short-lived. This type of depression is also accompanied by two or more symptoms, which include but are not limited to a significant increase in appetite and weight, oversleeping and a heavy feeling in the arms and/or legs.
Dysthymic Disorder
Also referred to as recurrent or mild depression, dysthymic disorder is a low-to-moderate level of depression that can last for two years or more. The symptoms are not as severe as those associated with manic depression, but they are resistant to treatment and last longer. Another common characteristic is the brief periods of feeling "normal," when a person's mood is elevated.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Some people are prone to depression during overcast and gloomy days, such as those found during the fall and winter. This is the reason it is called seasonal affective disorder. In most cases, it affects younger people in Northern climates and is generally treated with light therapy. This involves the use of artificial light to help relieve depression symptoms.
Bipolar Depression
Bipolar depression involves symptoms not seen with other forms of depression. Also known as manic depression, bipolar depression causes a rapid cycling between high and low moods. In some cases, the cycling may be gradual, but each mood episode can last for weeks and then cycle right into the next.
