xperience a noticeable loss in their ability to feel pleasure about anything. Depression, as viewed by psychiatrists, is an illness in which person experiences a marked change in their mood and in the way they view themselves and the world. Depression as a significant depressive disorder ranges from short in duration and mild to long term and very severe, even life threatening. Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as do other illnesses such as heart disease. The one on the top is a Major Depression; one following is Dysthymia, then Bipolar Depression, Seasonal Affective Depression, Post Partum Depression, Endegnous Depression and Atypical Depression.Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice or several times in lifetime. Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression, it involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep you from functioning at “full steam” or from feeling good. Bipolar depression is also called manic-depressive illness, which involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, you can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a pattern of depressive illness in which symptoms recur every winter. This form of depressive illness often is accompanied by such symptoms as marked decrease in energy, increased need for sleep, and carbohydrate carving. Post Partum Depression, mild moodiness and “blues” are very common after having a baby, but when symptoms are...
