Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects many different people. Although most people have heard of depression and have a general understanding of what it is, there are still often misconceptions. Depression is a term that many people know, but the different types of depression remain fairly unknown. This article looks at 5 different types of clinical depression and the symptoms someone with depression may experience.
If you’re wondering “what does depression feel like?” read on and learn about common symptoms. If you feel you have depression, reach out to us at (800) 270-4315 for information about how we can help you.
Understanding Clinical Depression
You may have heard the term “clinical depression” before, but do not know exactly what it means. Depression comes in many shapes and forms and varies in severity. Someone with depression may experience many symptoms very severely, someone else may experience just a few of them mildly.
Often, someone will begin to experience mild depression initially. This can quickly intensify and develop into severe depression. Once someone experiences severe depression and they require professional intervention to get better, this is usually considered clinical depression.
What Does Depression Feel Like? – Depression Symptoms
Depression can be different for everyone. Some depression symptoms may vary in severity or improve over time, while others may worsen. The symptoms you feel can also depend on the type of depression you have. This is why it’s important to contact mental health professionals to receive the appropriate treatment for your depression.
Below are 5 types of depression you may not be aware of and the symptoms associated with them.
Major Depression
Major depression is what most people are familiar with. It’s also sometimes called unipolar depression or major depressive disorder. Most of the symptoms associated with this type of depressive disorder are what most people with depression describe when asked, “what does depression feel like?” Common symptoms associated with this type of depression include (1):
- Changes to appetite – Eating more or less than usual and sometimes experiencing bodyweight changes because of this.
- Feeling sad or empty – Feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness or emptiness.
- Sleeping difficulties – Having difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much, and never feeling rested.
- Little pleasure and interest in doing things – You may no longer find pleasure in hobbies or activities that you used to enjoy.
- Work difficulties – Finding it difficult to maintain your working responsibilities. Finding you cannot focus on work.
- Struggling with decision making – Finding making decisions difficult, may lead to you making bad choices.
- Feeling like you’ve slowed down – You might feel as if you are moving and talking slower than normal or that the world around you has slowed down.
- Feeling agitated or restless – You may also feel like you cannot relax or sit still.
- Experiencing unexplained pains – Headaches, stomach problems, and aches in the body can be a symptom of depression.
- Lacking energy – Not having the energy to undertake everyday tasks and responsibilities and feeling excessive tiredness.
- Feeling guilty or worthless – This is a common symptom among people with depression, you may also feel guilty but not understand why.
- Suicidal thoughts – Thinking about death or taking your own life or making plans to.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 270-4315. You’ll be able to talk about your feelings with a trained counselor.
Psychotic Depression
This type of depression is still considered to be part of unipolar depression. It is not a separate form of depression. Instead, it is a severe symptom relating to major depressive disorder. Someone with psychotic depression will often experience symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. This means seeing, hearing, or believing in things that are not real and not shared by others (2).
Hallucinations may relate to death or being critically ill. Delusions can relate to certain stressors such as becoming unemployed or living in poverty.
Depressive Phase of Bipolar Disorder
People diagnosed with bipolar disorder often experience similar symptoms to those associated with major depressive disorder while in a depressive phase. However, someone with bipolar disorder will experience both depressive and “manic” phases. During a manic phase, someone may display symptoms that appear to be opposite to those associated with depression. These include:
- Increasing activity – Being more active than usual, either through exercise, activities, or work.
- Impulsive behavior – Making impulsive decisions without thinking through the consequences.
- Fast speech – Appearing to speak quicker than they usually would.
- Alertness and restlessness – Being on high alert and finding it difficult to switch off and relax.
These are just some of the common symptoms someone can experience while having a manic episode (3).
Dysthymia
The term “dysthymia” refers to an extended period of depression. Usually, it means a period of depression lasting at least two years. It is also referred to as “persistent depressive disorder”. This is because, for those that experience it, it is an ongoing and persistent issue. People diagnosed with dysthymia may also develop major depression or alternate between major depression and dysthymia (4).
Situational depression
This type of depression develops as a result of a person experiencing a certain situation that triggers depressive symptoms. It is usually triggered by a particular life event, such as losing your job, going through a divorce, caring for someone, or losing a friend or family member.
Some people may experience situational depression as a result of trauma. For example, being in a traumatic accident, or being the victim of a crime.
Situational depression is often easier to treat than other types of depression. It is usually treated through changes to a person’s situation. For example, getting a new job or establishing a better support system. However, in some cases, people with situational depression will also require counseling and/or medication.
Getting Help
If you relate to any of the types of depression discussed in this article, you may benefit from professional help. Depression is a common mental health issue and there are many people just like you that are receiving treatment to help them battle it.
Treatment for depression can vary depending on the individual. What works well for you may not work for someone else. Some people require medication such as SSRIs (5) to help them overcome their depression, while others benefit from therapies. Many people with depression require a combination of both medication and talk therapies to help them.
Hopefully, you now know the answer to the question “what does depression feel like?” and have a better understanding of your symptoms.
Email us today at [email protected] to find out the treatments we can offer or for support and guidance.
Still thinking “what does depression feel like”? Check out our other blog posts on depression and mental health such as How Does Drug Abuse Lead to Depression, Differences Between Mood Stabilizers and Anti-depressants and Getting Treatment During a Crisis.
References
(1) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Belmaker/publication/5677983_Major_depressive_disorder_invited_review/links/0deec5358d0b15c987000000/Major-depressive-disorder-invited-review.pdf
(2) http://www.dbsasgv.org/education/New%20Approaches%20to%20Psychotic%20Depression.pdf
(3) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
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