Depression is a mental health condition characterised by a persistent and prolonged low mood that significantly interferes with a person’s ability to function in daily life. It can affect everything from the ability to carry out everyday tasks to finding enjoyment in relationships, work, or hobbies.
While everyone experiences occasional sadness or “the blues,” these feelings typically pass with time or can be managed without professional help. In contrast, depression involves more intense and lasting emotional distress that may require treatment and support.
Types of Depression
Depression can manifest in different forms. Below are some of the more common and clinically recognised types:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Low mood with experience of other related symptoms, occurring most days during the past two weeks. The symptoms interfere with all areas of a person’s life, including work and social relationships, such as:- Losing motivation to attend work or school
- Disrupted sleep patterns or difficulty getting out of bed
- Struggling to maintain close personal relationships
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) / Dysthymia Involves similar symptoms to MDD, but is generally less severe and more chronic, lasting for at least two years. While people with PDD may be able to carry out daily activities, they often feel persistently low or joyless.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
A childhood condition characterised by:- Severe irritability and anger
- Frequent and intense temper outbursts
These outbursts are usually disproportionate to the situation and more extreme than what is typical for the child’s age group.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which causes extreme mood shifts that may significantly disrupt daily life, work and relationships. - Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder
Depressive, anxious, psychotic, or manic symptoms triggered by the use or withdrawal from certain medications or substances. - Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition
Depressive symptoms that are directly caused by an underlying medical illness, such as a neurological, hormonal, or chronic health condition. - Other Depressive Disorders
- Perinatal Depression: Depression experienced by women either before (antenatal depression) or after childbirth (postnatal or postpartum depression).
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Mood disorder that has a seasonal pattern, characterised with alternating periods of depression or mania that begin and end in a particular season.
Signs and Symptoms
While only qualified mental health professionals can diagnose depression, it is important to be aware of the early warning signs. Recognising these symptoms in yourself or others can help ensure timely support and intervention.
- Thinking
Frequent self-criticism, self-blame, worry, pessimism, impaired memory and concentration, indecisiveness and confusion, a tendency to believe others see you in a negative light, thoughts of death and suicide. - Feeling
Sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, mood swings, lack of emotional responsiveness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, irritability. - Behaviour
Withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities, loss of interest in personal appearance, loss of motivation, slowed down, sleeping too much or too little, over-eating, using drugs and alcohol. - Physical
Chronic fatigue, lack of energy, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss or gain, headaches, loss of sexual desire, unexplained aches and pains.
Crises associated with depression
In more severe cases, especially in the early phases of depression, individuals may experience:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury (e.g., cutting, burning, or hitting oneself)
These crises often stem from prolonged emotional distress, a sense of hopelessness, and an urgent desire to escape overwhelming pain. While these experiences can be frightening and isolating, they are treatable with the right support.
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, it’s essential to seek immediate support. Contact a mental health and wellbeing practitioner or reach out to a crisis support hotline. These services offer confidential, non-judgemental support and can help develop a treatment or coping plan.
