What is Depression?

Periods when you are feeling blue or sad are just part of life, and usually last a couple of days.

Depression lasts for longer periods of time, can interfere with daily life routines and can adversely affect any and all relationships in various ways:

• Emotions which are constantly sad or "empty"
• Hopeless or pessimistic feelings
• A belief that one is guilty, worthless or helpless
• They may be irritable or restless
• Disinterest in activities, hobbies or sex
• Fatigue, insomnia and diminished energy
• Difficulty focusing, recalling details and decision-making
• Changes in appetite
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Various persistent physical problems (aches/pains/problems)

Major Depressive Disorder (or Major Depression, Clinical Depression): Depression which inhibits your ability to, or decrease your interest in, conducting regular life activities (like working, sleeping, studying and eating). It can last all day, for nearly every day, for two weeks or longer.

Chronic Depression: Major depression that has a two-year (or more) duration.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD, or Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia): People who experience less severe depressive symptoms for at least two years.

Agitated Depression: High mental/physical energy -- restlessness, irritability and insomnia -- combined with depression.

Atypical Depression: A temporary improvement in mood and other areas (like weight, restfulness or emotional sensitivity).

Bipolar Disorder (also called Manic-Depressive Illness): Click here to learn more about Bipolar Disorder

Catatonic Depression: An extended period of depression, when a person neither speaks, moves or both. It includes at least two of the following:

• Lost voluntary movement (or an inability to react to one's environment)
• Too much movement (without purpose)
• Opposition to instructions/suggestions
• Weird voluntary movements, mannerisms, expressions or postures
• Involuntary repetition of another's words or movements, without any meaning

Double Depression: Dysthymia and major depression combined. For example, a person never fully returns to normal in between bouts of major depression.

Endogenous Depression: Depression which arises without logical reasons.

Melancholic Depression: When a person either doesn't find pleasure in positive things, or their mood does not improve in response to positive events. They must also have three of the following:

• Depression that differs from grief or loss
• Significant loss of weight or appetite
• Deficiency in conscious movement
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Excessive guilt
• A mood that is worse in the morning

Postpartum Depression: Depression that is felt by (10-13% of) women after childbirth, often due to hormonal or physical changes. In these cases, women feel very overwhelmed as a new mother.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Women experiencing depression when their period starts. They may also be moody, irritable, anxious, tired, hungry or not hungry, unfocused or feeling overwhelmed.

Psychotic Depression: Severe depression accompanied by hallucinations, paranoia or delusions.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression which generally occurs during changes in the amount of natural sunlight (usually October through April).

Situational (or Reactive) Depression: Depression that arises as a result of a stressful situation or event (like a job loss, divorce or death). Symptoms generally exist between 3-6 months after the event.

You can get relief from depression. In fact, many depression sufferers go on to live symptom-free or maintain considerable control over their condition.

If you feel pharmaceuticals aren't for you, EMPowerplus, combined with other healthy lifestyle changes, may be the answer. Learn more about how EMPowerplus can help by clicking here.