Depression Disorders

Depression is a commonly misunderstood general term that covers a variety of mental health disorders associated with feelings of sadness, misery, and despair.

While everyone experiences less-than-upbeat emotions from time to time, only those who meet certain emotional and behavioral criteria will be diagnosed with depression. It is also important to remember that there is a distinct difference between sadness and depression: Sadness is a natural, healthy, and temporary response to certain experiences or situations; depression, on the other hand, is a potentially devastating medical condition that requires effective professional intervention.

Types of Depression Disorders

The general category of depression is usually subdivided into three categories:

• Major depression
• Chronic depression (also known as dysthymia)
• Bipolar disorder (formerly referred to as manic depression)

The difference between these three types of depression is primarily in the duration and severity of the symptoms that the depressed individual experiences.

Symptoms of Depression

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Pervasive sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and despair
• Lack of interest in people, events, and activities that were previously significant to the depressed individual
• Profound lethargy (lifelessness)
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia (inability to sleep)
• Hypersomnia (excessive sleep)
• Uncontrollable negative thinking
• Irritability and aggressiveness
• Lack of patience
• Recklessness
• Thoughts of suicide – (If you feel this way, seek depression treatment now. Please don’t wait — it could cost you your life!)

Depression and Co-Occurring Disorders

Depression is also often associated with co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, and panic. For many depressed individuals, the abuse of alcohol or other drugs began as a means of “self-medicating” their more disruptive symptoms. Unsurprisingly, though, this substance abuse actually often ends up exacerbating the symptoms of depression, which can then lead the depressed individual into an ever-worsening cycle of drug abuse and despair.

Treatment for Depression Disorders

The good news about depression (and yes, there is good news about depression) is that several forms of depression treatment have proved effective. Medications for depression, therapies, and combinations thereof have allowed millions of previously depressed individuals to rise above their disorder, regain control over their lives, and resume their pursuit of a happier and healthier future.

Get Help Now

• Call us at 800-842-4487
• Fill out our confidential online contact form