By Dr. Don Lester

When someone says they suffer from depression, they can be dealing with one of many different kinds of depression. Depression is nothing to take lightly, because it is a life altering condition. But there are several different ways one can experience depression. So understanding the differences can mean helping them deal more effectively with their condition.

Self-help for depression is often quite difficult since the condition itself can get in the way. Even those with the best intentions can find themselves failing to effectively deal with their depression because of the mood swings it often invokes. Of which there are two primary moods. One makes you feel extremely happy and motivated; this state is referred to as manic. The other primary mood is extreme sadness and loss of motivation; this is referred to as depressive.

Some people find they have very strong mood swings and they go from being extremely happy and motivated with a condition called hypomania, to being completed sad and unmotivated with a condition called dysthymic. These people are often referred to as type I, primary bipolar or manic depressives. These are the extremes, they represent the condition that many people think of when they hear the word depression. This condition is the one that would represent the most out of control because of the obvious wide range in emotions it brings out.

However this is not the only form of depression that exists. Not everyone experiences these extreme and obviously noticeable changes in mood. There is a milder form of bipolar depression called Cyclothymia. This type of depression has the same symptoms but they are more subdued. Of course, they should still be treated as any other depression. They still have a life altering effect on people's lives they just aren't as outwardly noticeable as those who suffer from primary bipolar or manic depressive disorders.

There is even as milder form of depression called Dysthimia. This form of depression does not exhibit the manic condition. There are no extreme highs, only sadness. This is the most life altering form of depression because these people tend to stay unmotivated, uninterested and sad most of their lives.

Another form of depression is called Seasonal Affected Disorder or simply SAD. This type of depression strikes people who are adversely affected by a lack of sunlight. The most common treatment for SAD is exposure to ultra violet lighting. This type of depression although seasonal is no less debilitating than the other forms discussed here but more closely resembles dysthymia than the other forms of depression and can be exhibited as mood swings from happy to sad, to angry.

Then we have postpartum depression, a condition experienced by new mothers following the birth of their child. It is believed to be triggered by the sudden change in hormones experienced following birth but many women feel a genuine loss of connection to their child and become severely depressed. Some to the point of being a risk to themselves and others near them. That is why it too must be treated every bit as seriously as any other form of depression.

These are the most common forms we know of. There may be others we have yet to clearly identify, but for now this is the primary forms of depression. They affect more people than we may ever know because when some people get depressed they simply hide away from others and go unnoticed. Others work hard at hiding their mood swings by finding something to feel sad about when feeling depressed and using at as the excuse they are feeling sad.

Clearly, everyone feels sad every once in a while. This is not depression; it is feeling sad for extended periods of time or for no reason that is the mark of depression. Very often bipolar depression goes unchecked because during manic episodes these people can convince anyone they are more than fine and well over any sadness they may have been experiencing. Causing others to assume it was just a phase they were going through or just a momentary feeling of sadness. Forgetting that this person has done this before, usually many times before.

We must also remember that most of these conditions are treatable, one way or another. Some can be corrected by something as simple as diet change. Others by more aggressive measures like nutritional supplement or prescription. The bottom line is that if you, or someone you know, is suffering from these conditions you need to get professional help. At the very least you need to let someone know that you feel this way. Because you don't have to suffer alone.