Learning About Attaining Stress Relief Through Counseling

3 Unique Types Of Depression

Major depressive disorder, also known as depression, is a very common mental illness. Statistics show that it affects over 14 million adults in the United States. Thanks to awareness campaigns and progress in mental health care, this type of depression is pretty well-known.

However, there are different types of depression outside of major depressive disorder. If you suspect that you have depression but do not fit the criteria for MDD, do not dismiss how you feel. There are several different unique types of depression, and four of them are described below.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Or Seasonal Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is technically major depressive disorder, but it only occurs during winter months. This disorder occurs because individuals receive less exposure to sunlight due to the days being shorter for a longer period of time. Some people take antidepressants to treat seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy is a unique alternative option that gives the user exposure to bright light on a daily basis.

'Situational' Depression

Though this is not recognized in psychiatry as a form of depression, it is a term used to describe people who experience depression systems due to specific circumstances. For example, individuals may experience 'situational' depression when they lose their job or a family member dies. Unlike other types of depression, this is not treated through the use of antidepressants. Counseling is used to help the individual overcome their stressful or tragic situation, and this typically alleviates depression symptoms.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a fairly common syndrome that causes females to experience pain, fatigue, mood changes, and more. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is often compared to a very severe type of PMS. Women who suffer from PMDD may experience:

  • anxiety

  • depression

  • extreme fatigue

  • difficulty concentrating

  • sudden and intense mood swings

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is treated with one or two different methods. Some women find relief through the use of birth control pills, as these regulate menstruation-related hormone levels. Others take antidepressants along with birth control pills to help balance chemicals in the brain, too.

Treatment For These Types Of Depression

As you can see, each type of depression is unique and requires a specific type of treatment. If you experience any depression symptoms or mental health concerns, seek assistance from a mental health facility like Dr. Stephen Brown & Associates. Mental health services may include individual counseling, medication, and group counseling. Explore your options now in order to get the care and attention you deserve.  


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