What are the major depressive disorders?

Are you feeling blue or down in the dumps? Or do you think that it’s just PMS, a bad boss or lack of sleep? Hold up! Before blaming external factors for your rollercoaster emotions, let’s delve into depression and what it entails.

Depression is much more than just being sad; it is a medical condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. Depression comes in many different shapes and forms – it can be caused by one-off events such as loss and trauma, long-term personal struggles such as addiction or even owning too many cats!

In this article we’ll discuss the major depressive disorders so you can better understand the nuances.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depression disorder – sometimes referred to simply as depression- is a severe type of mood disorder often accompanied by low self-esteem, hopelessness, irritability and suicidal thoughts.

Symptoms

The following symptoms occur during most of MDD episodes:

  • Loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable
  • Lack of energy
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Changes in weight/appetite
  • Feelingsbof worthlessness/guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating/ making decisions

These symptoms have to last at least two weeks before doctors diagnose someone with MDD.

Fun fact: Did you know Harvard conducted a study where they found depressed individuals’ average spleen size was three times larger than those not affected?

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Persistent depressive disorder unlike MDD lasts over 2 years regardless if there are any noticeable alterations to moods during this time period.

Overview

Despite its persistence characterized by “mild” spells accompanied with brief periods free from stressors. Followed sometime later by similar non-suicidal episodes which usually vanish after several weeks although PPD sufferers might maintain their regular functions despite having the odds stacked against them.

Symptoms

PPD symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • A feeling of hopelessness
  • Suicidal thoughts and ideations
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
    Enough doom and gloom, let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

If you experience sadness often during the winter months while days are short coupled with minimal sunlight then SAD could be the culprit.

Overview

Often referred to as winter blues – this depression type is mainly associated with years’ driest stretch ushering in reduced sunlight periods; meaning that more melatonin (mood regulator)is produced leading persons to sleep for longer time periods/ have lower levels of energy. About 10 million Americans face this disorder per year.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

-One‘s usual day-to-day routines become hindered.
-Loss of productivity due to decreased motivation;
-Social withdrawal is very common ;
-Fatigue.
-Major Depressive episodes develop quickly ;

Fun fact: Did you know SAD can be relieved by light treatment? You can use a Sad Light Box which simulates outdoor light or even get outside often!

Bipolar Depression

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness consists essentially of extreme mood shifts that verges from one end high mood( mania),and low mood(depression).

A single episode lasts up to two weeks long at minimum but patients typically traverse through states such elevated one week followed by depressed another ; switch emotions faster than switching your nail varnish colors!

The less severe type of bipolar disorder known as cyclothymic disorder cycling between hypomania bouts lasting several days accompanied with depressive symptoms(cyclothymeans swing).

Symptoms:
Insomnia/hypersomnia
Decreased energy/fatigue,
Irritability/discomfort anger-easily gets frustrated
Unwarranted euphoria.

Did you know?Bipolar disorder affects 2.6% of the U.S population?

Postpartum Depression

The birth of a new baby can be an exciting chapter for some women- however it can also induce mood swings that causes postpartum depression usually occurring within four weeks after delivery.

Overview

Postpartum depression symptoms start to worsen- severe exhaustion, insomnia/hypersomnia thus interfering with normal mom/infant interactions.

Symptoms:

-Sleep disturbances ,
-Mood instability,
-Anxiety ,
-Oversensitivity,
-Guilt
-Panic attacks

Approximately three out of every twenty postnatal woman are affected by PPD often feeling isolated and hopeless, seeking for mental support is always advised whilst receiving appropriate medical treatment.

Fun fact: Did you know dads can suffer from Paternal Postnatal Depression too!

Whether Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder or Seasonal Affective Disorder – there is no one size fits all approach to battling depression! If your life seems like it’s unraveling then seek advice from those around you and if necessary schedule an appointment with your health care provider; understanding these disorders would go a long way in helping friends/family get through their rough patches as well.

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