Stages Of Depression

There are no real stages of depression as it affects each individual differently, an adolescent will experience different symptoms than that of an adult. There are just to many variables involved with this mental health disorder for there to be any set stages and each individuals experience will be different.

The causes of the disorder as well can vary between individuals and what may cause depression in one individual may not cause it in another. Things such as genetics, life experiences, life styles, personality traits can all cause the illness. For these reasons as well it becomes difficult in pinpointing various stages of the illness.

Listing the different types of depression and the various symptoms associated with depression is possible. Left untreated depression can manifest and get worse. There is no need for suffering if an individual believes they may have depression because depression is very treatable. Seeking help from a health care professional can save the individual unnecessary suffering and possible physical issues that can occur from prolonged depression as well as causing those close to the individual unnecessary suffering. Depression will eventually burn itself out but this can be weeks, months and even years.

Depression is an illness that affects the body, mind, moods, eating habits, sleeping patterns and the way one feels about themselves. Depression is not just feeling blue and is not a disorder that can be willed away. It is not a sign of weakness and those suffering from depression cannot just pull themselves together. It is an episodic disorder that left untreated will eventually burn out, this may be weeks, months or years. Most of those that seek treatment from a health profession can have success in treating the depression.

There are different types of depression that can manifest in anyone at any given time for various different reasons, but usually the brain has been overloaded and illness sets in.

Major Depression - This is a clinical depression in which individuals lose interest in things and activities that they once enjoyed. They have a feeling of sadness all the time.

Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depressive Disorder - Also known as Manic Depression and is a type of depression that has subtle or extreme highs and extreme lows.

Dysthymic Disorder - This is a disorder that is ongoing but has mild symptoms.

Cyclothymic Disorder - This is a mild form of Bipolar Depression.Individuals can have mood swings that almost seem normal.

Postnatal Depression (PND) or Postpartum Depression - This disorder occurs in women who have just given birth, it's a mix of behavioral, emotional and physical changes that occur in 10 percent of new mothers. It can appear in days after birth and up to a year and symptoms can be mild to severe.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - This disorder occurs seasonally and is caused by a lack of sunlight.