As any doctor or mental health specialist will tell you there are different types of depression and each of these types of depression will manifest themselves in completely different ways. Currently there are some well documented types of depression with each of the depression disorders having some similar and some different symptoms.
Since each of the depression types vary, the severity of symptoms and the level of persistence experienced can be different for each sufferer. The main types of depression though are classified as being Major or Unipolar Depression, Chronic depression, and Manic or Bipolar Depression. Besides the main depression types there are subdivisions within each of these disorders. As the different types of depression have a different effect on each person, the method of treatment has also been individualized.
With Major depression the symptoms are the same as those we all associate with depression, they are however far more intense than the normal depression symptoms we describe in our daily life when we are feeling “down”. These symptoms will interfere with the daily activities of the individual. The work, study, eating and / or sleep patterns become disturbed. The person will not be able derive any pleasure from their earlier activities and will become increasingly unable to engage with their surroundings, family or friends. The depressive attacks of Major depression can be extremely debilitating and the sufferers’ quality of life becomes noticeably poorer.
In Major depression the episodes can be either single occurring or recurring. A single occurring episode can severely debilitate the sufferer and then vanish after the treatment has taken effect. For a recurring Major depression sufferer though their life will be characterised by a phase of Major depression followed by Major depression. These bouts of depression can be interspersed by perhaps several years of normal depression free life. However the attacks can then recur without any warning.
Chronic depression is less severe than either Major depression or Bipolar depression although the symptoms are life long. A person who has Chronic depression can still carry out their lives with minimal interference from the depression symptoms. However, there is a strong possibility of double depression occurring in this type of individual. Where their Chronic depression and Major depression symptoms occur together.
Bipolar depression is not as common as the other types of depression. The mood swings of this depression are cyclic. That is that there are periods of euphoric highs and bottomlessly sad, worthless lows. There are times within this condition when the mood changes can be very rapid and dramatic. The symptoms of the highs of Bipolar depression include being overactive, having lots of boundless energy, loss of good judgment and feeling invincible amongst other symptoms, whereas the lows mimic Major Depression to an extent. The rapid mood swings that can occur between the highs and lows can make this a particularly difficult to manage condition at times.
All of the depression types have different ways of reacting within different individuals. Each of these depression symptoms need to receive the right sort of treatment. Therefore you should consult a doctor to have your depression diagnosed and treatment begun as there are treatments which can help immensely in overcoming these symptoms.