An Overview of Different Types of Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting millions of Americans on an annual basis. Fortunately, treatment for depression, whether through medication or therapy, has been shown to be highly effective at alleviating symptoms of depression and improving someone’s quality of life. If you have been feeling depressed, it’s important to learn more about the different types of depression and see if one fits your experience better than another.

Major Depressive Disorder

MDD is the most prevalent form of depression, often leading to suicidal thoughts. Other symptoms include difficulty concentrating and making decisions, low self-esteem, and a lack of interest in activities that usually give pleasure.

Dysthymia

This type of depression is one that occurs for a prolonged period, usually two years or more. It has a milder impact on the person and they may even go through periods where they don't feel depressed at all. The low mood lasts most of the day and it's hard to ever feel good or happy again. There are no specific triggers for this type, but people with Dysthymia often also have another type of depression as well.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a form of depression that occurs during certain times in the year. The most common time this disorder occurs is during the fall and winter months. With SAD, symptoms can range from feeling mildly down to having intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. In order to combat SAD, it's important to get enough exposure to light and start creating routines that involve regular exercise and good sleep hygiene.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterised by alternating periods of depression and mania, including high levels of energy, increased activity, and irritability.  Some symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis are mood swings, an inability to concentrate or sleep well, changes in appetite and weight loss or gain without trying.

Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy is a joyous time for most women. However, the hormonal changes and increased responsibility can trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, and even panic in some women. Pregnancy-related depression has been found to affect up to one-third of all expectant mothers with more serious cases being reported as high as 12% .

Treatment for Depression

Depression is a disorder that affects the way you feel, think, and act. It's not just feeling a little sad or unhappy for a few days. It's an illness with a biological cause. There are many treatment options for depression, including medication, tms therapy for depression and therapy. Treatment can help you get better faster and prevent relapse in the future. If left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and last longer than necessary. Learning about your type of depression is important to find the best treatment plan for you.

What Is Tms Treatment And How It Can Help?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. A typical session lasts about 30 minutes. TMS usually does not require anaesthesia, and most people can return to work or regular activities the same day. With a few exceptions, there are no side effects associated with tms therapy near me and it’s proven to be effective.