Feeling the Blues? Understanding the Many Faces of Depression

We all have days where we feel a little down. But when that „down” feeling lingers, it might be more than just a bad day. Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects millions, and it can show up in many different ways. Understanding these different forms can help us recognize the signs in ourselves and others, and encourage seeking support.

Besides thinking that depression is only a mental disorder, we know that it is related to many somatic problems, ranging from a variety of pains (muscle, joint), inflammation, and lowered immunity to brain inflammation and hormonal changes (including lower testosterone and its associated consequences in men).

Here’s a quick overview of some types of depression:

New Parent Struggles? It Could Be Postpartum Depression: Bringing a new life into the world is a huge adjustment. We know that any change including positive may lead to psychological crisis as change is related with temporary loss of control. But when that temporary stage becomes long term – both parents may face postpartum depression. It involves intense sadness, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It’s crucial for new parents (and their partners!) to be aware of these symptoms and seek help. As feeling of not loving your child may lead to guilt and even suicidal ideation.

The Winter Blues or Something More? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Do you feel sluggish and down during the darker months? SAD is a type of depression linked to changes in seasons. Light therapy and other treatments can be very effective. But – maybe it will be surprise for you that many people suffer blues also in other parts of the year. You may be single and you type of season for depression may be in the summer, Sometimes people not aware of allergies may have symptoms of depression. Sometimes suppresses trauma may lead to temporary depressive symptoms when we even don’t know what they are related to (for example as a child you may have been hospitalized in the part of the year).

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Sometimes, depression isn’t a dramatic episode but a persistent, low-level feeling of sadness and fatigue that lasts for years. This chronic form is called dysthymia, and while it might seem less severe, it can significantly impact quality of life. You may feel emptimess in your life, struggle with feeling joy, being ashamed of not having “passion”, because you simply are not able to feel peaks of positive emotions. It can be normal – just a type of personality, but if it wasn’t always like this – look for diagnose.

Major Depressive Disorder: This is what many people think of when they hear „depression.” It involves a combination of symptoms like deep sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of worthlessness. It can be triggered by life events or appear seemingly out of the blue.

 

Because depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Recognizing the different forms can help us:

• Seek the right kind of help: Different types of depression might respond better to different treatments.
• Support loved ones: Understanding the signs can help us offer empathy and encouragement to those who are struggling.
• Reduce stigma: Talking openly about depression helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

 

Depression Complexity: It’s important to note that even within mental health, conditions like depression are incredibly complex. Recent research using MRI has identified six distinct biotypes of depression, each with different patterns of brain activity across several key networks: the default mode network (D), salience network (S), attention network (A), negative mood circuits (activated by sad stimuli – NS, conscious threat stimuli – NTS, and nonconscious threat stimuli – NTC), the positive mood circuit (P), and the cognitive circuit (C).

Significantly, only two of these biotypes responded well to currently available treatments. One biotype, characterized by high activity between brain regions linked to problem-solving and depression, responded best to talking therapy. Another, showing overactivity in cognitive areas, responded best to venlafaxine, a common antidepressant. This underscores the need for ongoing research into depression, as uncovering its intricacies is an ongoing process with new strategies and medications continually being developed.

 

If you are struggling with low mood and lack of energy questions to ask yourself

• Does it last longer than 2 weeks
• Do I have better moments – what am I doing, how to have more of those moments
• What can I try to make myself feel better today

If your own ways of rising mood and activating leveling up your energy do not work – seek for professional support.

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