Everyone experiences sadness but it usually fades away within a few days or weeks. However, profound sadness that lasts more than two weeks & affects your ability to function may be a sign of depression.

Here’s a look at nine types of depression and how they manifest.
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1. Major depression

Major depression is also known as major depressive disorder and like many mental health conditions, it has little to do with what’s happening around you. You can have the kind of life that others envy and still have depression.

It’s a severe form of depression that causes symptoms such as:

- despondency
- difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- fatigue
- loss of appetite or overeating
- unexplained aches
- loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
- anxiety
- suicidal thoughts

These symptoms can last weeks or even months. Some people might have a single episode of major depression, while others experience it throughout their life. Regardless of how long its symptoms last, major depression can cause problems in your relationships and daily activities.

2. Persistent depression

Persistent depressive disorder is depression that lasts for two years or more. It’s also called dysthymia or chronic depression and while it might not feel as intense as major depression it can still strain relationships and make daily tasks difficult.

Some symptoms of persistent depression include:

- deep sadness
- low self-esteem
- appetite changes
- changes to sleep patterns or low energy
- concentration and memory problems
- difficulty functioning at school or work
- social withdrawal

Though it’s a long-term type of depression, the severity of symptoms can become less intense for months at a time before worsening again. Some people also have episodes of major depression before or while they have persistent depressive disorder. This is called double depression.

Persistent depression lasts for years at a time, so people with this type of depression may start to feel like their symptoms are just part of their normal outlook on life.

3. Manic depression

Manic depression consists of periods of mania or hypomania, where you feel very happy, alternating with episodes of depression. Manic depression is an outdated name for bipolar disorder.

In order to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you have to experience an episode of mania that lasts for seven days, or less if hospitalization is required. You may experience a depressive episode before or following the manic episode.

Depressive episodes have the same symptoms as major depression, including:

- feelings of sadness or emptiness
- lack of energy
- fatigue
- sleep problems
- trouble concentrating
- decreased activity
- loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
- suicidal thoughts

Signs of a manic phase include:

- high energy
- reduced sleep
- irritability
- racing thoughts and speech
- grandiose thinking
- increased self-esteem and confidence
- unusual, risky, and self-destructive behaviour
- feeling elated, “high,” or euphoric

In severe cases, episodes can include hallucinations and delusions. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. You can also have mixed episodes in which you have symptoms of both mania and depression.

4. Depressive psychosis

Some people with major depression also go through periods of losing touch with reality. This is known as psychosis. Experiencing both of these together is known clinically as major depressive disorder with psychotic features.

Hallucinations are when you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that aren’t really there. An example of this would be hearing voices or seeing people who aren’t present. A delusion is a closely held belief that’s clearly false or doesn’t make sense.

Depression with psychosis can cause physical symptoms as well, including problems sitting still or slowed physical movements.

5. Perinatal depression

Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or within four weeks of childbirth. It’s often called postpartum depression. But that term only applies to depression after giving birth. Perinatal depression can occur while you’re pregnant.

Hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy and childbirth can trigger changes in the brain that lead to mood swings. The lack of sleep and physical discomfort that often accompanies pregnancy and having a newborn doesn’t help, either.

Symptoms of perinatal depression can be as severe as those of major depression and include:

- sadness
- anxiety
- anger or rage
- exhaustion
- extreme worry about the baby‘s health and safety
- difficulty caring for yourself or the new baby
- thoughts of harming the baby

Women who lack support or have had depression before are at increased risk of developing perinatal depression, but it can happen to anyone.

6. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While PMS symptoms can be both physical and psychological, PMDD symptoms tend to be mostly psychological.

These psychological symptoms are more severe than those associated with PMS. For example, some women might feel more emotional in the days leading up to their period. But someone with PMDD might experience a level of depression and sadness that gets in the way of daily functions.

Other possible symptoms of PMDD include:

- cramps, bloating, and breast tenderness
- headaches
- joint and muscle pain
- irritability
- extreme mood swings
- food cravings or binge eating
- panic attacks or anxiety
- lack of energy
- trouble focusing
- sleep problems

Similarly to perinatal depression, PMDD is believed to be related to hormonal changes. Its symptoms often begin just after ovulation and start to ease up once you get your period.

7. Seasonal depression

Seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that’s related to certain seasons. For most people, it tends to happen during winter or the rainy season.

Symptoms include:

- social withdrawal
- increased need for sleep
- weight gain
- daily feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or unworthiness

Seasonal depression may get worse as the season progresses and can lead to suicidal thoughts. Once the season changes, symptoms tend to improve. This might be related to changes in your bodily rhythms in response to the weather.

8. Situational depression

Situational depression, clinically known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood is brought on by specific events such as:

- the death of a loved one
- a serious illness
- abuse relationship issues
- unemployment or financial difficulties

Of course, it’s normal to feel sad and anxious during events like these — even to withdraw from others for a bit. But situational depression happens when these feelings start to feel out of proportion with the triggering event and interfere with your daily life.

Situational depression symptoms tend to start within three months of the initial event and can include:

- frequent crying
- anxiety
- appetite changes
- difficulty sleeping
- social withdrawal

9. Atypical depression

Atypical depression refers to depression that temporarily goes away in response to positive events. Despite its name, atypical depression isn’t unusual or rare. It also doesn’t mean that it’s more or less serious than other types of depression.

Having atypical depression can be particularly challenging because you may not always “seem” depressed to others (or yourself). But it can also happen during an episode of major depression. It can occur with persistent depression as well.

How do I know which type I have?

If you think you might have any type of depression, it’s important to follow up with a doctor. All depression types discussed in this article are treatable, though it might take some time to find the right treatment for you.

If you’ve had a previous bout of depression and think it may be happening again, see your psychiatrist or other mental health professionals right away.

Do have a lovely evening.