When it comes to depression, there are generally two types that affect a lot of people who have problems: depressive and manic. Manic depression is sometimes called bipolar depression because of the extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). In either type one feels very irritable, has little interest in things they once loved, talks about things they once detested, and feels hopeless. They can't work and lose their appetites.
The depression timeline is shorter for those who suffer from manic depression. Symptoms are usually fewer but every now and again someone will complain of a hangover or something that happened years ago that made them cry. There is usually no guilt, and they are normally a lot more energetic than other types of depression. They can do better in school and be more socially acceptable. This is a mild form of depression.
Another depression type is a depressive disorder. It is hard to diagnose because it is not the same as manic depression. Manic episodes are when a person has very intense emotions - joy, happiness, optimism - and this can happen all the time. Depressed folks have felt like this but only when they are sad or dealing with an event that they are unhappy with such as divorce. Depressed people don't have these rushes of energy like manic people do. They tend to have lower energy and just feel down more.
Another type of depression is reactive depression. Reactive depression is the most common type of depression there is. Someone who suffers from reactive depression does not respond to treatment the way other kinds of people do. Instead, they just find things hard to function in everyday life and feel depressed. There is usually nothing wrong with them but they just find life hard and are unable to enjoy it. In this case, it is necessary to seek help for them to be able to recover.
With anxiety, one experiences panic attacks and feels depressed. When anxiety is severe, it can lead to depression. The person is just not able to function normally, they are suffering from panic, anxiety, and depression all at once, and they need help to get rid of this.
One of the main reasons that someone who feels depressed would seek professional help is because they are just not happy with their life. They are unhappy with everything and would like to do something to change that. They may feel guilty, ashamed or embarrassed about their situation and they need someone to understand them so that they can get past their depression and get back on track. Even if it means contacting a therapist, they will at least be able to understand what is happening to them and why they are depressed.
One of the worst cases of depression is cancer. People who suffer from cancer often go through depression because they are thinking about dying and losing everything that they have worked so hard to obtain. This type of depression can cause problems in the patient's life as well. They may get a job that they don't feel qualified for, or they might lose connections they have enjoyed over the years with friends and family. It is best to leave this type of depression to the professionals when it is severe because there is too much risk involved if left untreated.
So, when depression descends upon us, we need to seek help immediately. If you are not sure how to go about doing this, then ask for guidance from a friend or loved one, or you could always turn to your doctor for advice. Depression does not have to take control of your life, and if you are able to get treatment for depression, then you are well on your way to feeling better once again.
