Types of Depression
Classic Depression: This is the type that I have described on my depression page. Manic Depression (bipolar disorder): When I was seeing a psychiatrist, he told me to read a certain book and to see if any of the circumstances were common for me. It was a book about a lady that suffered from bipolar disorder and went for along time before she was diagnosed. Someone with bipolar disorder has periods of what they call mania. In these episodes of mania, sufferers muster huge reserves of energy and may become productive. Their ideas may be wildly creative, and speech is rapid and not always making sense.
When they are not severe, some sufferers enjoy the manic phases as they feel alive, obtain some relief, and get a lot done. At its worst, mania precludes leading a normal life. Violent mood swings are the norm.
People suffering from bipolar disorder experience extreme swings in mood, from the lowest to the highest. If the mania is mild or moderate, the person can achieve a great deal and feels self-confident, even self-important. Energy levels are high and interest in sex is often considerable. When the mood swings to a low, then some of the symptoms of the classic version become apparent. About eight years ago I did foster care for physically and mentally abused children. I had a ten year old boy who suffered from bipolar disorder. He could go for awhile and seem like a normal child, but if he got angry he would get violent and one time even tried to hang himself. Do not ignore self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much, reckless driving, smoking, compulsive gambling, and compulsive spending. These can all be signs of someone with bipolar disorder.
Postpartum Depression: “Baby blues” are common among new mothers. It tends to happen within a few days of the birth, and most women recover. Postpartum depression usually occurs later, about six weeks or more after the birth. The symptoms are similar to those of the classic version. The mother’s misery, fear, and anger may be directed at herself, her baby, or both. Irritability, fatigue, and sleeplessness are the common symptoms. Any new mother is at risk--and those who have previously suffered with any type of depression are even more at risk. Winter Blues: Some people are biologically affected by winter’s low light levels, resulting in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms include depression, fatigue, poor concentration and memory, increased appetite, particularly for carbohydrates, increased weight, and a desire to sleep longer than in the summer.
A true SAD sufferer wants to sleep so much that he comes home from work, falls asleep in front of the television, goes to bed late where he falls asleep immediately, and finds it difficult to get up in the morning. Some of the other symptoms include feeling irritable, anxious, antisocial, miserable, guilty, lethargic, and completely uninterested in sex. “Smiling” Depression: So-called smiling depression is especially misleading because the person suffering from it manages to conceal his misery beneath a cheerful exterior. This may be because he has already decided on the solution of suicide. Generalized Depression Disorder
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