There is not such a thing as 'depression'. Depressions come in a variety of forms and shapes. It takes a well trained professional to diagnose if some is suffering depression and if so, what kind of depression. Although all types of depression have some things in common, they all need to be carefully diagnosed in order to be treated properly.
One of the most common types of depression is what experts call bipolar disorder. In everyday English it's often called manic depression. Manic depression is characterized by sometimes extreme and sudden mood changes. A person who suffers from manic depression can feel very low at one moment and ecstatic the next. The mood shifts are not just extreme but often unpredictable as well.
Cyclothemia is another expert name for a kind of depression. You and I call it seasonal depression. It is pretty similar to manic depression in that the patient will suffer from those same extreme mood changes. These however are less unexpected. they are commonly felt when Mother nature decides it's time for a changes in season. Winter and fall season are the worst for most patients who suffer from Cyclothemia.
Ever heard of postpartum depression? A postpartum depression is most likely experienced by new mothers. One ot its symptoms is a prolonged period of emptiness, most commonly triggered by the physical stress that the mother undergoes during and after giving birth.
Clinical or major depression is the one most feared depression. Because of it's symptoms experts and health professionals claim major depression is a disorder and not an illness. Once diagnosed, clinical or major depression can be treated very effectively. Regardless of the level of their depression, almost 80% of patients recover. Often it takes a clever combination of drugs and counseling to get the patient back on it's feet.
However, do not consider clinical or major depression a temporary state of sadness, emptiness and low self-esteem. That would be a big mistake. Although a major depression can be cured, it does consist of a prolonged state of mind in wich symptoms like loss of appetite and lack of interest make the patients live very difficult. Once these signs of depression start to show, you should waste no time but call your doctor and discuss the ways how clinical or major depression should be treated.
There are many types of depression. And they all have some symptoms in common. That makes it close to impossible to DIY diagnoses any type of depression. Leave that part to the professionals because diagnosing the types of depression is important to pick the proper treatment.
