Depression is one of the most serious and dangerous mental health problems. There are various types of depression that are mild, but some are severe enough to be life-threatening. Therefore, you need to recognize what kinds of depression are.
You must have felt sad, empty, and hopeless, whether because of family problems, work, mental pressure, being a victim online catfishing, or because a relative or close relative has recently died. Over time, these feelings will usually disappear and your emotional state will return to normal.
However, if these feelings persist for months or even years, especially if they appear for no apparent reason, then it is likely due to depression.
In addition to feeling hopeless, people who suffer from depression usually find it difficult to carry out daily activities and tend to withdraw from social circles. Many people with depression even feel like committing suicide or want to harm themselves because they feel that their life is meaningless.
There are many kinds of depression. Therefore, it is important for you to know the types and symptoms of various types of depression so that this condition can be recognized and treated appropriately.
Know More About Types of Depression
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that there are at least 260 million people with depression worldwide. Of the many people with depression, it is estimated that there are 800,000 cases of suicide deaths caused by depression.
Depression can be divided into several types, namely:
1. Major depression
Major depression is a type of depression that makes sufferers feel sad and hopeless all the time. A person is said to be suffering from major depression if he experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Mood and gloomy mood
- Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities you used to enjoy
- Weight change
- Sleep disturbance
- Often feel tired and lack energy
- Always feeling guilty and useless
- Difficult to concentrate
- Tendency to commit suicide
Symptoms can last weeks to months. Regardless of how long symptoms last, major depression can interfere with activities and quality of life of sufferers.
2. Persistent depression
Persistent depression or dysthymia is a term used to describe chronic depressive conditions. The symptoms are the same as depression in general, it's just that this type of depression lasts a long time even for years.
A person can be called suffering from persistent depression if he feels the symptoms of depression that persist for at least 2 months continuously and come and go within 2 years.
Although symptoms are not always as severe as major depression, people with persistent depression also often have difficulty socializing and carrying out daily activities.
3. Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by very drastic mood swings. People who have bipolar disorder can feel very happy and energized at one time, but suddenly become sad and depressed.
When in a happy and energized phase (mania or hypomania), people with bipolar disorder will experience the following symptoms:
- Optimistic and can't stay still
- Very energetic and more excited
- Overconfidence
- Having trouble sleeping or feeling like you don't need to sleep
- Appetite increases
- A lot of things in mind
After being in a mania or hypomania phase for some time, people with bipolar disorder usually go into a normal mood phase, then go into a depression phase. These mood swings can occur within hours, days, or weeks.
4. Psychotic depression
Psychotic depression is characterized by severe depressive symptoms accompanied by hallucinations or psychotic disorders. People with this type of depression will experience symptoms of depression and hallucinations, namely seeing or hearing something that is not really real.
This type of depression is more common in older people. Even so, people who are still young can experience it. In addition to old age, a history of severe psychological trauma in childhood is also said to increase a person's risk for developing psychotic depression.
5. Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that occurs in mothers who have just given birth. Mothers suffering from postpartum depression may experience several symptoms, such as:
- Always feeling depressed
- Difficult to concentrate
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- Feeling unworthy of being a mother
- Difficulty producing breast milk or breastfeeding
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
Sometimes, postpartum depression can resemble another psychological disorder called syndrome baby blues syndrome. Although the symptoms are similar, the two conditions are different things.
syndrome baby blues usually occurs within 2 weeks after delivery and will subside by itself, while postpartum depression can last up to 6 months or more and can disrupt the bond between mother and baby.
6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a type of depression that attacks women at the time of menstruation. This condition is often referred to as severe premenstrual syndrome.
Women with PMDD may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Easily emotional and offended
- Often feel excessively anxious
- Hard to sleep
- Muscle ache
- stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite or even more
- Headache
In contrast to premenstrual syndrome, PMDD symptoms that occur can be very disturbing and even severe depression symptoms appear that interfere with the sufferer's quality of life. These symptoms will usually appear within 1 week before menstruation begins and will disappear after menstruation.
Handling the Right Kinds of Depression
Depression is not just ordinary sadness. Without proper treatment, depression tends to persist and can get worse. This then has the potential to cause people with depression to be prone to trying to commit suicide, consuming excessive alcohol, or abusing drugs. You can relieve symptoms of depression by taking a morning shower.
Therefore, if you experience depression, regardless of type, you should consult a psychiatrist so that your condition can be treated properly.
To determine the type of depression you suffer from, the doctor will perform a psychiatric examination. Once the type of depression is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment. Treatment for depression is usually counseling or psychotherapy, as well as medication, such as antidepressants.