If you’re the stage where you know you’re depressed you probably want to find out what type of depression you have in order to take steps towards seeking appropriate treatment. There are several types of depression, and some are referred to by different names. This can make trying to establish what your depression is labelled as difficult. Although you may need a proper diagnosis from healthcare professionals understanding your condition can empower you and help explain your feelings.

The blues

Having the blues isn’t the same as depression but if you’re not used to feeling down and out you may wonder if what you’re experiencing is real depression, or a lighter mood condition which is likely to pass.

The blues is similar to feeling down in the dumps. It can happen because you’ve had a bad day, or because you are worried about an up coming event. The blues doesn’t last long, and won’t result in serious symptoms you need worry about.

General depression

General Depression, or mild depression, is worse than the blues. It can leave you feeling sad and unhappy, despondent and down right fed up. If you have depression you may lack enthusiasm to do anything much and avoid social situations. You may experience sleepless nights and have negative thoughts which really bother you.

General Depression is unpleasant but doesn’t usually require individuals to take antidepressants. If you have General Depression you may benefit from practicing relaxation methods, and want to look into the possibility of receiving counselling to help you talk through experiences and feelings.

Clinical Depression is also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD. MDD is a serious and severe form of depression. Unlike General Depression it can cause individuals to feel suicidal or think about death frequently. Sufferers may have insomnia or hypersomnia, meaning that they don’t sleep enough or sleep too much. They can display signs of nervous agitation, or experience lethargy, feeling slow and sluggish.

If you have MDD you’re likely to feel worthless and lack confidence in your ability to do anything well. You may suffer from guilt, see no future and isolate yourself from good friends you used to see when you felt differently. You’re unlikely to enjoy hobbies and interests anymore, and may have gone off sex as your libido will be low.

Individuals who have MDD usually require professional treatment, the results of which can be highly successful. Depending on the nature of depression presented sufferers may be prescribed antidepressants, given psychotherapy or cognitive therapy.

Cyclical Depression

Just about any form of depression can occur in cycles rather than being continual. However, perhaps the most prominent cyclical form of depression is Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression. This type of cyclical depression results in highs and lows which may be described as extreme mood swings from feeling elated to feeling dreadful. If you have Bipolar Disorder you may find there are times you think life is fantastic and everyone is wonderful. At other times though, you probably feel life is barely worth living. You’ll find it hard to focus and concentrate and you may feel suicidal at times.

As you can see, there are different types of depression which relate to the severity, or depth of individuals symptoms based mainly on feelings. Doing Goldberg’s Depression Test online may help you understand how seriously you are affected, however this isn't a substitute for receiving a professional diagnosis. If you think you may have depression it's important you see a healthare professional, and they will be able to use their knowledge to give a definite diagnosis and help you.