Types, Causes & Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is one of the most commonly experienced forms of mental disorders in the world. Understanding depression better can help an individual cope with it better. Depression is more than just a mere feeling of chronic sadness. It is a constant and recurrent feeling of intense and prolonged sadness, unworthiness, loss of interest, loss of sleep, loss of appetite and more. If these symptoms persist for over a period of two weeks, then what you are experiencing could be depression. Therapy is the best way to combat depression, amalgamated with prescription drugs.

Causes of Depression

Depression can be a consequence of many factors like:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental conditions
• History of depression within the family
• A co-occurrence with other disorders like anxiety, PTSD
• Traumatic events 
• Hormonal changes
• Side effect of certain medications 

Types of Depression 

There isn’t just one type of depression. Depression can take many different forms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) recognizes nine different types of depression. These are:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The most common type characterized by major and recurrent episodes of depression throughout their life 
• Dysthymia: Chronic and persistent feeling of sadness 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: A type of depression brought about during wintertime
• Atypical Depression: Characterized by irritability, overeating, oversleeping and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs
• Bipolar Disorder: Alternating between manic episodes and depressive episodes 
• Psychotic Depression: Depressive episodes that occur with hallucinations or delusions 
• Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs after giving birth
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Depression that occurs before a woman’s cycle and affects functionality 

Signs and Symptoms

• Sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, worthlessness
• Anger, frustration, irritability
• Loss of interest in activities 
• Loss of sleep and appetite 
• Tiredness
• Difficulty in focusing and making decisions
• Headaches, stomach aches

If you, or someone you know experiences symptoms of depression, it is advisable to seek depression counseling in Mumbai. Depression is easier to treat in the phase of early onset and that can happen only if you actively seek help with an open mind. If diagnosis is given and treatment begins in its early stages, it can be lived down. Don’t wait – seek professional help today.