Symptoms and Types of Depression

Have you ever felt so sad sometimes without knowing what the real cause is? Do you happen to experience such a mood disorder of someone close to you? Whether we admit it or not, depression not only affects our behavior but our relationships as well. This unusual state of sadness may be experienced not only by an adult but also by teenagers and children, a man or a woman.

Depression which is a kind of mental state that is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, fatigue, and pessimism actually has different types. Along with this, persons who were identified as having depression usually have several symptoms.

There are actually five types of depression which are most common. This includes major depression which is a combination of symptoms that hinder the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and perform enjoyable activities. Dysthymic disorder, a less severe depression that happens for 2 years or more but can prevent a person from functioning normally or can prevent him from feeling good. Another type is the psychotic depression which happens when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions. If a new mother develops a major depression within one month after delivery, then it’s another type which is known as postpartum depression. Lastly, there is also what we call as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is characterized by the beginning of a depressive illness. This usually happens when there is less natural sunlight or during the winter months.

But how can we really detect when a person is suffering from depression? By identifying some symptoms, you will know that a person is in the state of depression. A person is depressed when he is usually sad, anxious, or has an "empty" mood. Always feel hopeless or worried or the feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyable, including sex; having difficulty to concentrate or in making decisions, or remembering; trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down" and also the changes in appetite or weight or both. And worst, depressed person can possibly have thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; or may feel restlessness or irritability and the relentless physical symptoms, like headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders that do not respond to scheduled treatments.

So if you’re looking for the best depression treatment, it is best to consult your primary care provider. Go and see your psychiatrist. You may also have some talk therapy with a psychologist who can also help treat your sadness. Although there are lots of alternative and natural treatments to depression like exercise, relaxation or meditation, it is still best to see a psychiatrist.