Types of Depression

In trying to figure out whether you or a friend has depression, it is important to understand that there are many different kinds of depression, and depending on the type, the severity of the symptoms are different as well as the types of symptoms. 

1) Major depression is the most severe illness.  With major depression you have more of the symptoms, and they tend to be more severe.  You do not have to have feelings of hurting yourself to have major depression.  Major depression can be a single episode depression.  That is, once you get treated, you won’t have to go through it again.  It usually occurs due to a traumatic event.  However, some people have what is called recurring depression which means that you can have an episode, get treated and be fine for years, but then due to another traumatic event, have a relapse into another episode.

2) Manic-depression is very different than the others because with this illness you feel like you are the best and can do anything.  You feel like you can do things that are unrealistic.  You tend to be very jittery and random by going from one thought to the next without any connection.  Your life is a party all the time and you can never sit still.  You are more likely with this illness to do wild actions and you do not get along with family and friends because of rebellious feelings, such as thinking you can do anything you want.

3) Reactive depression is the type of depression that occurs after a traumatic event. 
This could mean a divorce in the family to breaking up in your own relationship.  Reactive depression can turn into major depression if you develop the symptoms.

• Dysthymic depression is a lower level illness that continues over a longer period of time than the others.  It can go on for years without anyone noticing.