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What Are The Different Types of Depression?
   

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems that are among citizens today. Depression may be a problem that you have genetically or it may be related to a difficult situation that is occurring in your life. If you feel like you are depressed, or if you know someone that is depressed, then knowing the different kinds of depression can help you in being able to find a cure and move past the depression.

No matter what type of depression that you may have, there are always several moods and emotions that are attached to it. These may differ from one type to another, but overall, these feelings remain the same. The most common emotion related to depression is a feeling of sadness towards life in general. As a result, hopelessness begins to become a dominant force in life. Worthlessness as a feeling that is focused around one’s life is also a problem that may occur. Those who feel guilty on a regular basis may also be resulting from depression.

There are also several common physical problems that result from the different kinds of depression. A change in appetite, causing weight loss or weight gain is a common occurrence. There is also a change in sleep patterns. Often, one with depression will sleep too much or not enough. A lack of energy, resulting in slower movements and slowed speech also is from the depression symptoms.

The first and most common type of depression is known as major depression. This type of depression can cause one to feel like everything is hopeless. They also carry a low self-esteem. For those that have this type of depression, there is usually a lack of interest in work, family, friends and other forms of activity. When it becomes worsened, it often will cause weight loss and may eventually lead to loosing control over daily activities.

A second type of depression is atypical depression. This is similar to major depression with several kinds of the moods that are attached to it. A sense of hopelessness is the most common side effect that is experienced. However, atypical depression will often have periods of happiness and elations attached to it. Those with atypical depression are often times affected by events that occur externally. From these events, that person will then respond with an extreme mood of either happiness or hopelessness. Some of the physical symptoms that are seen with this kind of depression are oversleeping, overeating and weight gain.

A third known depression is psychotic depression. This type of depression differs from the other two in moods. Instead of effecting the emotions directly, this will affect the state of mind in which one is in. Those with psychotic depression often experience hallucinations that contain negative thoughts and feelings attached to them. Sounds and voices as well as visuals are common with this type of depression.

Dysthemia is a fourth type of depression that may occur. The moods that are attached to this include the feelings of being unimportant, dissatisfied, frightened and hopeless. Unlike major depression, however, those that have dysthemia don’t recognize it as depression. They feel that this sadness and hopelessness has always been a part of their lives, and as a result are less willing to get help. This depression also doesn’t experience any mood changes for long periods of time. The sadness is a way of being for these types of people.

Manic depression is one of the more severe types of depression. This is similar to atypical depression, only much more severe. Those who have manic depression will move from feeling sad and hopeless to being extremely happy. These changing mood swings are often times quick and can be severe. Those that have manic depression will have a high rate of suicide and suicidal thoughts as a result.

In each of these categories of depression, are also several factors that relate to this depression taking place. For example, postpartum depression is a common type of depression that occurs. There is also depression that results from the changes in seasons. Some will have depression occur as a result from a trauma or a disaster that has occurred in their lives. Many times, these depressions will hold some unique moods and reactions to them.

No matter what type of depression you, or a loved one, may have, it is important to find help right away. There are several anti-depressant medications available for the different types of depression. There are also several alternative methods that are available for healing, including herbal and natural methods. Depression, if not recognized and taken care of, can cause several problems in your life and not allow you to live to the fullest.

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