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Aren’t There Different Types of Depression?

by Dr. Sarah Allen
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Yes and my blog below explains about the different types! It is important to know what type of depression you have so therapy is geared to the correct treatment.

 

 

Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia

This is when symptoms are mild to moderate and they have been around for two or more years. These chronic symptoms that may not be severe enough to disable a person but it makes it very difficult to live life to the fullest or even remember better times. You may not enjoy being with other people or get excited for an upcoming event that people usually find enjoyable. If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been depressed. Or perhaps you think that your continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” People with dysthymia are also at risk for experiencing one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes. However, dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years.

Minor Depression

This is similar to the way people feel when they have dysthymia but for a shorter time. People can have some depression symptoms for 2 weeks or longer but not meet full criteria for major depression. Without treatment, people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder so it is important to reach out for help sooner rather than later.

Major depressive disorder

This can also be called major depression, and it is when the depression symptoms mentioned earlier are severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime, but more often a person may have multiple episodes.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances. They include:

Psychotic depression, which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having  irrational and disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions), or perhaps hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).

Postpartum depression, which is much more serious than the “baby blues” that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. See …..for more details of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), happens when people only get depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression symptoms generally lift during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone but psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy and in some cases medication.

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. It is characterized by cycling mood changes—from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). Mania which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep switches to depression, usually the symptoms of major depression. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. However, although it can look similar to major depression, the treatments for bipolar depression are very different. In fact, antidepressants can make bipolar depression worse.

Any type of depression can make you feel helpless, hopeless, empty and numb. It might seem that you have been feeling this way forever and there’s no hope of feeling better but there’s a lot you can do to take back control and change how you feel. With help and support, you can overcome depression and get your life back.

The key to recovery is to start small and take things one day at a time. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there with the support of professionals who are trained to help.

SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION ebookI put together this booklet with strategies I am always giving to my clients firstly, because they help and secondly, so clients can have something handy to refer to between sessions.

I am a big believer in giving handouts about the strategies we talk about during sessions because I think it is hard to remember everything. I also give new clients a folder so they will be able to keep all this information in one place. A sort of emotional health toolbox to get out and read when you need it.

Not everyone is able to come and to see me though so I decided to make these strategies available to everyone and I hope you find this booklet helpful too. I think it is a great way to get started but it is hard to do this on your own so please contact me with any questions you may have after reading it.

Add your first name and email in the box below and you will be sent the steps to download your FREE book and begin your journey to feeling better.

You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

Please call 847 791-7722 or email me on the form below if you have any questions.

Also, I have several blog posts on my blog about depression and other issues that can affect the way you feel.

    Dr. Allen's professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.

    Filed Under: Depression Tagged With: counseling, Depression, Dr. Sarah Allen

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    You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

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    I first came to see Dr. Allen I was completely exhausted by battling with my son who has ADHD and angry outbursts. I have learned how to stay calm and that helps him stay calm too and we have a much better relationship. We still have our difficult days but I am in a better position to deal with them and at the end the day I am left feeling that I am done my best, not guilty that I have failed him. The techniques she taught me for helping him deal with his ADHD have been very useful for all of us.

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    My baby didn’t sleep. She wouldn’t sleep more than a couple of hours at night and no more than 30 minutes during the day. I was completely overwhelmed and my husband and I were at each other’s throats. I was supposed to be going back to work but was barely functioning. Sarah helped us to learn how to get our baby sleeping and then she supported me in my transition back to work. She also helped my husband and I navigate how to share childcare and running the house fairly. She is such a knowledgeable doctor and has really helped us become a healthy, happy family.

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    When I started seeing Dr. Allen for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

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    Thank you for all of your support. I am finally feeling so much better. I never thought I would get to such a good place in my life. Your voice and words of encouragement were extremely helpful.

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    Thank you so much for all the support and counsel you have given me. You have made such a positive impact on my life and I very much appreciate it. I had some very dark days when I first came in to see you but I can now enjoy my life with my husband and two kids and I am emotionally present when I am with them.

    Katy W.

    I had heard great things about Dr. Allen from a friend so I decided to try her. I have had therapy in the past as I have experienced depression for many years but this is the most productive therapy I have ever had. I have really learned a lot and felt very supported. I feel my mood has improved greatly and my depression has significantly decreased. I would definitely recommend her if you are looking for a therapist.

    Andrew S.

    Dr. Allen has really helped me find my own voice. When I began therapy I would swing between being passive and doing whatever other people wanted me to do to being angry and frustrated. I have been on antidepressants for quite a few years but it wasn’t really working. Through therapy I have learned to listen to my own needs and to speak up. I used to worry that people wouldn’t like me if I didn’t agree with them but when Dr. Allen gave me the support I needed I challenged my fears. I spend a lot less time feeling angry and depressed now and I have really widened my social network. This is how I have always wanted to be but didn’t know how to get there. Dr. Allen has a very reassuring manner and makes you challenge yourself but by using small steps so you feel ready to do it. I have really come out of my shell and would recommend anyone who is feeling depressed to come and talk with her.

    Rebecca F.

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