More Than One Type of Depression

Although we usually just refer to "depression," there is more than one type of depression. While there are actually many different forms, three of the most common type of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

Major depression usually consists of a combination of symptoms (see "symptoms of depression" in the menu) that make it difficult to work, sleep, eat, study, or enjoy things that used to bring pleasure. A person may suffer this type of depression only once, but it more commonly occurs several times during a depressed person's life.

Dysthemia is a less severe type of depression. It involves chronic, long-term symptoms that prevent someone from feeling good or functioning well in day-to-day life. Sometimes people suffering from dysthemia will also develop major depression at some point.

The third common type of depression, bipolar disorder, is also known as manic-depression. A person suffering from bipolar disorder experiences mood changes, going from severe highs, known as mania, to the lows of depression. While these changes can be sudden and dramatic, they more often occur gradually. The depressed state brings the common symptoms of depression. The manic state leads to overactivity, talkativeness, excess energy, impaired judgement and inappropriate social behavior. While this type of depression is less common than the other two, it can be devastating.

There are many treatments for each type of depression, ranging from drugs to psychotherapy to a combination of different therapies. Another option is known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT. EFT is a method of "tapping" with one's finger on different energy points in the body, in order to release "blocked" energy that is believed to cause a variety of symptoms, including those found in each type of depression. To learn more about how EFT is used in dealing with any type of depression, click here to visit the EFT web site.