It is estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States suffer with depression. Depression is a medical condition that effects the brain by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Everyone feels “blue” from time to time, but if symptoms of depression persist and interfere with your day to day life you should see your doctor. Symptoms of depression may include change in weight, too much or too little sleep, fatigue, loss of interests in activities, feeling worthless, or even thoughts of suicide. There are different types of depression and only your doctor can determine which medication will work best for you and your type of depression. Different types of depression include:

1. Bipolar disorder or Manic Depression: This type includes dramatic mood swings that include going from extremely energetic to being irritable or feeling hopeless. The mood swings tend to become closer together as the individual ages. Often times there are normal moods in between the mania and depression. Bipolar disorder my be hereditary and usually starts during adolescence or as a young adult. Often times people with bipolar disorder turn to the use of drugs and/or alcohol to help them cope with emotions. This disease can lead to disruption of your daily life including your job, school, and your family life.

2. Clinical Depression: This is believed to be the most common form of depression. Clinical depression is also known as unipolar depression or major depressive disorder. This form of depression is most common between the age ranges of 25 - 44 although it can affect anyone at any age. The symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, sleep problems, change in weight, memory problems, aches and pains. People who suffer from clinical depression usually feel worthless, hopeless, or helpless about their situation(s). This forms of depression usually lasts for a period of 6 to 9 months.

3. Atypical Depression: With this form of depression the individual will respond either in a negative or positive way depending on the situation they have been faced with most recently. While enjoying a meal with friends or going out to see a movie they enjoy their mood will be positive and upbeat, but once alone they tend to slip back into the depressed state. With this form of depression the individual tends to over eat and over sleep and often times feels too tired to get out of bed. Symptoms include increase in appetite and or weight gain, sensitivity to rejection, and excessive sleeping.

4. Dysthymia: This form is similar to clinical depression but has more mild and longer lasting symptoms. This form of depression can last for a couple of years but does not seem as disabling as clinical depression. The individual is usually able to maintain holding a job, going to school, and maintaining a family. Symptoms include poor concentration and/or difficulties making decisions, decrease or increase in weight, fatigue, low self esteem, and poor performance at school and/or work.

By Beverly Aycock