Let’s discuss the various types of depression and how they affect our body as well as hinder our everyday activities.
What is Depression?
Depression can best be described as feelings of sadness, anger, frustration and hopelessness that affects the everyday functions of your life. Depression is a mood disorder and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects one in 10 Americans. Depression affects productivity at work, assignments, responsibilities, relationships and creativity. Although feeling sad is pretty much normal as everyone experiences sad and tragic events in life. Yet depression and sadness that lasts for over a few months or years should be treated immediately otherwise it can escalate into a threatening disease.
Type of Depression
Clinical Depression
One of the most chronic as well as dangerous types of depression, it consists of feeling sad, lonely, angry, frustrated or hopeless on a daily basis for a long period of time. These feelings should be treated by a qualified psychologist and if you are exhibiting signs of five or more symptoms below, you are clinically depressed:-
- feeling depressed most of the day
- loss of interest in most regular activities
- significant weight loss or gain
- sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- slowed thinking or movement
- fatigue or low energy most days
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- loss of concentration or indecisiveness
- recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Dysthymia
A mild depression which does not have severe effects but can become dangerous as it lasts for a period of 2 years. Feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness affect the quality of work and also hampers relationships. Often, the person is unable to feel happiness and is often complaining, critical, irritated at the slightest opportunity.
Postpartum Depression
Sometimes referred to as ‘baby blues’, mothers often undergo postpartum depression after giving birth. This is a normal clinical condition which involves the mother experiencing feelings of restlessness and anxiety. However, a proper medical consultant should be contacted if the negative feelings linger around for more than a few months.
Seasonal Addictive Depression
This type of depression lasts during a particular time of the year mostly, such as winters. The cold and lack of sunlight can add a little gloom and lead to mild depression for some people.
Psychotic Depression
This describes symptoms of depression accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations.
Bipolar disorder
When a person experiences severe mood changes at a certain time, starting from a point of an all time high and leading to an all time low, it is known as bipolar disorder.
Affects
In short, Depression affects your body in a very adverse way! It can lead to a person not socializing with others and staying indoors most of the time. Wallowing in alcohol or drugs also seems to be an attractive way to spend time for those undergoing this condition. It leads to clouded judgments, memory impairments and constant irritability among people. Children might also show signs of worry, anxiety and refuse to partake in studies, extracurricular activities.
Your digestive system also bears the brunt of depression. Depressed people tend to eat more or eat extremely less! For overeating, this results in suffering from diseases like Diabetes type 2. In the cases where people do not eat, lack of nutrients int he body can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and energy sap. Constipation, stomach cramps and malnutrition can result due to depression.
Depression hormones spike your heart rate up and can cause blood pressure problems. A consistently depressed person can also develop permanent heart problems. Depression can also render the immune system useless in fighting infections and diseases.
