Are There Different Types of Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects men and women of all ages. In the last few years, depression rates across the U.S. have increased dramatically to where one in three adults have experienced depression. There are several different types of depression with various symptoms and levels of severity. If you think you are depressed, depression treatment can help improve your mood before your symptoms worsen and create a complete disruption in your life.

At Arkview Recovery Center, we help men and women struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. Our depression treatment program gives patients the coping skills to stop letting their negative thoughts ruin their day while improving their communication and relationship skills. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, call 717.744.0756 today to learn more about the different types of depression and its symptoms.

Why Does Depression Affect Each Person Differently?

There are many different reasons why someone is more susceptible to depression than others. Internal and external factors come into play, and if people do not know how to process their feelings, it can lead to depression that can last for a few weeks to several months. Many internal and external factors can lead to depression, including:

• Genetics
• Family history
• Poor interpersonal skills
• Certain medications
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Current affairs
• Wartime
• Substance abuse
• Financial difficulties
• Stress from school or work

At Arkview Recovery, we work with each patient individually to determine the severity of their symptoms and the level of treatment necessary to aid in their complete recovery.

Different Types of Depression and Symptoms

There are many symptoms of different types of depression that people can experience. While everyone may feel depressed once in a while, those feelings will typically go away after a few days. If the symptoms persist, depression treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve a person’s mood. Five of the common types of depression and symptoms include:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

MDD is sometimes called clinical depression, and patients can experience multiple episodes over their lifetime. Symptoms include:

• Lack of interest in favorite activities
• Changes in weight
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Changes in sleep

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

PDD, or dysthymia, is a chronic depression that can last for months to years. Common symptoms include:

• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Agitation or irritability
• Trouble falling asleep
• Hopelessness
• Changes in appetite

3. Bipolar Disorder

This type of depression is offset by abnormally elevated moods that seriously affect their daily lives. Patients can experience physical and mental symptoms that include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Insomnia
• Loss of self-esteem
• Unable to make decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness

4. Postpartum Depression (PPD)

PPD affects women during or after their pregnancy and affects their mood. Symptoms generally only last two to three weeks after birth. Symptoms can include:

• Severe mood swings
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Trouble bonding with their baby
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Some people are more susceptible to changes in the weather and can experience symptoms as the seasons change. Symptoms can include:

• Having trouble sleeping
• Low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling sluggish or agitated
• Changes in appetite or weight

Arkview Recovery Center: Providing Compassionate Care for Men and Women with Different Types of Depression

At Arkview Recovery, our mission is to help men and women struggling with different types of depression and other mental health disorders like addiction. Patients work on understanding where their depression is coming from and how to stop the endless loop of negative thinking. We offer several types of therapies to aid in our patient’s recovery, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Group and individual therapy
• Family education program

Reach out to our experienced staff to learn more about how you can get on the road to living the life you want by calling 717.744.0756.