Depression is a common and serious medical illness negatively affecting how a person
feels, thinks and act. Depression is not something we could take lightly. Those who
combat depression have to get all the help that they need. The symptoms may vary
because depression can take many forms.
One’s symptoms can be different from another’s symptoms because depression can
have many faces. We have compiled here the different forms of depression and their
usual symptoms.
MAJOR DEPRESSION
When someone suffers from this kind of depression, everything seems to be off,
somehow. They start to lose interest in things that once excited them. The symptoms of
major depression can last for over two weeks.
Unexplained Headaches or Digestive Issues
Oversleeping or Lack of Sleep/ Insomnia
Sudden Weight Loss or Weight Gain
Inability to Focus
Restlessness
Suicidal Thoughts/ Pessimism
CHRONIC DEPRESSION/ DYSTHYMIA
This is a lower level form of depression with symptoms lasting for at least two years.
Those who have dysthymia can also have major depression often called as double
depression.
Lack of Energy
Low Self-Esteem
Excessive Guilt and Hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts and attempts
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)
This is a form of depression commonly occurring in women after giving birth. This
usually takes place within a month after delivery. This may be linked to chemical,
psychological and social changes related with having a baby. You may find it hard to
spot symptoms of PPD as they are somehow similar with what normally happens after
childbirth such as:
Change in Appetite
Difficulty in Sleeping
Fatigue
Mood swing
Here are some unusual symptoms of childbirth which may be linked to depression:
Depressed Mood
Worthlessness or Hopelessness
Suicidal Thoughts
Loss of Interest
Morbid thoughts towards someone
Read about First Time Moms and How They Deal with Post Partum Depression
PSYCHOTIC DEPRESSION
This type of depression occurs when depressive illness is linked with hallucinations or
other forms of psychosis. Those who are psychotic is out of touch with reality. Here are
the symptoms to watch out for.
Insomnia
Agitation
Anxiety
Delusions/ Hallucinations
Physical Symptoms such as constipation
Getting early treatment is key in recovering from any kind of depression. We at CNS
Center of Arizona promote patient-centered, comprehensive clinical care , pursuing
excellence in clinical and evidence-based initiatives in areas related to child, adolescent
and adult psychiatry and psychiatric disorders.
