Depression should not be taken lightly or dismissed.
What is Depression?
There are three types of depression, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), and bipolar disorder.
Major depression is classified as a prolonged period of sadness that lasts a minimum of 2 weeks or longer, in which a person can have intense sadness, and/or feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. Generally speaking, a two-week period or longer of severe sadness is an indication that someone may be depressed, and should be looked into for further study and examination.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a form of depression that last for at least 2 years. PDD is less severe than major depression, but the symptoms are very similar, if not the same as major depression, in that they can significantly impact an individual’s daily life.
Bipolar disorder is a form of depression and it is classified as experiencing severe mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder usually swings from being extremely happy, and then eventually experiences severe sadness, anger or depression the next. The changes can come quickly or can be spaced out days at a time.
common symptoms of depression
Because there are several different types of bipolar disorder, the symptoms can vary based on type and severity. Some symptoms of bipolar disorder may include:
When To Get Help for Depression
While there may usually be one event that causes Depression, it is generally a combination of environmental, biological, genetic, and psychological factors. Depressive episodes can be caused by situational events such as a loss of a loved one, relationship problems, divorce, the loss of a job, financial trouble, personal trauma, social pressures, and other instances that can affect a person’s overall well-being. Depression also has a strong genetic link, but it can also happen to those who have no family history of depression depending on their environment and experiences.