Are there different types of depression?
If you are given a diagnosis of depression, you might be told that you have mild, moderate or severe depression. This describes what sort of impact your symptoms are having on you currently, and what sort of treatment you're likely to be offered. You might move between mild, moderate and severe depression during one episode of depression or across different episodes.
There are also some specific types of depression:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season. Click here for more information.
- Dysthymia – continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. Also called persistent depressive disorder or chronic depression.
- Prenatal depression – depression that occurs during pregnancy. This is sometimes also called antenatal depression.
- Postnatal depression (PND) – depression that occurs in the first year after giving birth.
Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) a type of depression?
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Many women experience PMS, but for some women their symptoms are severe enough to seriously impact their daily life. This is when you might receive a diagnosis of PMDD.
PMDD is not a type of depression, but most women who experience PMDD find that depression is a major symptom.Depression self-care tips
Experiencing depression can be very difficult. But there are steps you can take to help yourself. See below for some tips, remember everyone's experiences are different and it is best to find what works for you.