Understand different forms of depression

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.  

I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.  ~Mother Teresa

   
     There are several forms of depressive disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Minor depression is also common.

     Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to:

1. work, 
2. sleep, 
3. study, 
4. eat, and
5. enjoy once-pleasurable activities. 

     Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person’s life.

     Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by depressive symptoms that are long-term (e.g., 2 years or longer) but less severe than those of major depression. Dysthymia may not disable a person, but it prevents one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.

     Minor depression may also occur. Symptoms of minor depression are similar to major depression and dysthymia, but they are less severe and/or are usually shorter term.Some forms of depressive disorder have slightly different characteristics than those described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include the following:

     Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality; seeing, hearing, smelling or feeling things that others can’t detect (hallucinations); and having strong beliefs that are false, such as believing you are the president (delusions).

     Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lift s during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy also can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.

     Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes— from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). 

*For HELP with emotional crisis Call 1-800-273-8255 
*For Immediate Medical Help Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room 
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Source: http:// www.nimh.nih.gov/ health/topics/ bipolar-disorder/ index.shtml.
*For HELP with suicidal crisis Call 1-800-273-8255 *For Immediate Medical Help Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room

"Wisdom comes from within."