Kinds Of Depressions
Learn about kinds of depressions. Depression, in the most literal sense, refers to a low mood that tends to have an adverse impact on the individual’s mental wellbeing, behavior and thoughts. This may lead to insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, body aches, loss of energy and even lead to suicidal tendencies. It is more of a psychiatric disorder, than a mood. It is most often caused by external factors like financial issues, job problems and continued failures in a particular field. However, sometimes it can result due to health issues. Some women report being in a period of depression during abnormal menstrual cycles. This can be attributed to abnormal hormone functioning.
Depression is observed in individuals of all ages. It is common in men, women, postpartum individuals and aging personalities. There are several kinds of depressions. The first one is the major depression. This is characterized by the inability of the individuals to experience pleasure. They keep looking for unpleasant objects in life. A period of major depression can last for about six months, but it is a recurring disease. Such individuals carry a negative frame of mind and refuse to flaunt an optimistic attitude. This kind of depression must be treated immediately to prevent more adverse effects.
Dysthymia is another kind of depression. It is a mild depression. This involves a few periods of low mood conditions, alternated by normal moods. Its effects are not as strong as those of major depression. However, Dysthymia can last for a longer time. It can be experienced for as long as 2-3 years. Eventually, the individual accepts his/her low mood as a way of life, and fails to look at the periods of normal mood. He/she does not remember the good times. However, Dysthymia can be treated and cured, even if its symptoms have gone unnoticed for many years. Changing lifestyle patterns and attending therapy will lead to positive results.
The third kind of depression is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Individuals suffering from this disease tend to get into phases of depression during the fall of winter, or gloomy weather changes. Days of low sunlight and overcast sky, along with continuous rainfall may lead to a change in the mood of the individual. It is more common in younger people, who are more aggressive and are prone to mood changes. It is also common in the people of the northern climates. This disease can be treated very easily since it is a mild form of depression. Light therapy, which exposes the individual to artificial light, can help solve this problem.
Bipolar Disorder is the other kind of depression. It is characterized by cyclic changes of mood. It involves highly impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid, unclear speech and less sleep. The individual can flip between moods very quickly. A depressed mood may continue for several weeks before he/she can get back to a sane mindset. The treatment for bipolar disorder is very different from the other kinds of depression. Anti-depressants can make the situation even worse for the patient. Careful therapy, under the guidance of the instructor should be carried out.
