Every year, 17 million American adults – 7% of the population – experience a major depressive episode. Those aged 18-25 are most at risk of major depressive episodes, and women are more likely to have depression than men. According to the National Mental Health Association, only about one-third of people with depression ever consult a mental health professional for treatment. At Collaborative Behavioral Health in Skokie, Illinois, the team provides treatment and support for those living with depression. You’re not in this alone. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online.

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What are the types of depression?

When looking at the symptoms and causes of depression, practitioners categorize it into a variety of types. Here’s a closer look at some of them.

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Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

A person with persistent depressive disorder (PDD) experiences a low mood every day for at least two years but doesn’t have as intense negative feelings as experienced in major depressive disorder. Someone with PDD can usually go about their daily activities, but they don’t feel happy and often experience low self-esteem. While someone with PDD may not actively seek professional help, if they were to, their physician may prescribe medication or psychotherapy.

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Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a state when someone feels nothing but unhappiness and low feelings, to the point of despair. They often lose interest in all activities, have trouble sleeping, have an extremely low opinion of their self-worth, and see changes in their appetite. 

 

When at their lowest, they may contemplate thoughts of suicide and death. Psychotherapy and medication are the two usual courses of treatment.

 

Seasonal affective disorder 

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a mood shift that affects people as the days begin to get shorter in winter. This may be because of how sensitive the eyes are to light or because of changes in melatonin and serotonin production, which affect the body’s internal 24-hour clock. Light therapy is often prescribed, but psychotherapy and medication are also successful.

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Bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder experience depression some of the time. They swing between feelings of depression and extreme happiness, also referred to as mania, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as manic-depression. Medications, self-management strategies, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the usual treatments prescribed.

While it may be tempting, don’t try to self-diagnose your depression symptoms. A certified professional at Collaborative Behavioral Health can accurately identify what type of depression you’re experiencing and prescribe appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression vary depending on the person and their situation. Some symptoms, however, appear consistently across the different types:

• Constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anger

• Ongoing fatigue

• Lack of appetite 

• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

• Headaches

• Stomach pains

• Apathy

• Sleeping too much or not at all

• Forgetfulness

• Suicidal thoughts

 

If you experience a combination of these symptoms, reach out to the team at Collaborative Behavioral Health.

Can depression be treated?

Yes, depression is an illness, and it can be treated with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or both depending on the type of depression you have and how you responded to treatment in the past. Medication works quickly to reduce the symptoms, and cognitive behavioral therapy explores and tackles the reasons behind the depression. 

Collaborative Behavioral Health has professionals trained in identifying types of depression and prescribing appropriate medical support. Schedule an appointment today by calling or going online.