Different Types of Depression

Different Types of Depression

Are Support Groups Good for you


There are several types of depression that occur both in women and men. The most common are what’s known as major depressive disorder and minor depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression is a combination of symptoms. People with major depressive disorder have difficulty functioning. Having been associated with certain people who have had symptoms of major depressive disorder, it is a very sad thing to witness.

These people are sometimes so depressed, they can hardly get out of bed. They cannot do the normal daily activities that most of us are accustomed to doing. Some of them are suicidal, according to the people I have witnessed. It is said that this type of depression may occur only once in a person’s lifetime. However, it is known that it can recur throughout a person’s lifetime.

Minor depressive disorder can last two years or longer. This type of depression may not be as disabling as major depressive disorder, but it prevents a person from functioning normally and keeps that person from leading a happy life.

Psychotic depression occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis such as schizophrenia.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD seems fairly common. It is characterized by being depressed during the winter months when it is dark and gloomy. This type of depression generally disappears when Spring and Summer weather appears.

Sad has been known to be effectively treated by what is known as Light Therapy. However, many of those with SAD do not respond to Light Therapy alone. These people may also need a combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.

There are people who are known to be depressed caused by the loss of a loved one. The loved one can be a mate, a child, or a death of anyone who played an important role in a person’s life.

These people handle their depression differently. Some, may go on with their every day living fairly normally, perhaps feeling a little empty, in spite of their depression. We may refer to these people as strong, however they still are suffering from their loss.

There is a good side to some types of depression:

There are others, who have lost a loved one, whom I have known, who join a support group. This type of group is helpful because everyone in the group has a commonality. They all have lost someone who has been dear to them. Although there may be an enormous differences in personalities, each person is connected to one another by their empathy they have for each other.

I have met people who have joined a support group, and because they are able to talk to one another so feely about their feelings, feel relieved, after several months of this type of group therapy.

Moreover, I have also met a few people who have met a new mate in their therapy group. They have something in common when they can share their feelings of loss. These people seem very happy after they meet someone new to love.

The people I have known who went to a support group due to a loss of a loved one found such a group through their church or temple.