Did you know: Depression is a serious medical illness; it’s not something that you have made up in your head (contrary to what many people think!). It’s more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It’s feeling "down" and "low" and "hopeless" for weeks at a time.
There are several different kinds of depression. The most common types are:
• Major Depressive Disorder: a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–pleasurable activities
• Dysthymic Disorder: long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well
• Psychotic depression: occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions
• Postpartum depression: diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
• Bipolar Disorder: cycling mood changes-from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression)
