Depression Education

Depression is the second most common type of mental health disorder in America, affecting nearly 1 in 10 adults. Depression is a mood disorder that comes in many forms, including major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar depression.

Major Depression

is the name for the type of depression most people think of, in which someone is very sad, tired, hopeless, and uninterested in activities that were once pleasurable. Recurrent thoughts of death or self-harm may accompany these symptoms. These symptoms last for at least several weeks and tend to interfere with everyday life.

Dysthymia

is characterized by the same symptoms of major depression, however a person is consistently affected by these symptoms for at least two years. People with dysthymia tend to struggle with pervasive low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness that life will ever be enjoyable.

Bipolar Depression

is typified by vacillations in a person’s mood, such that they swing from feeling depressed to feeling abundantly energetic (aka manic). These periods of mania are often characterized by increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, easily distracted, and increased interest in pleasurable and/or high-risk behaviors. A person may cycle between depressed and manic states over the course of a few days, weeks, or even months.

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The following resources are helpful tools in learning more about depression.

Please note, they are not intended to serve as substitutes for professional help. If you or someone you know is affected by depression and would like support, please seek assistance from a licensed mental health professional.

Recommended Reading

• Feeling Good by David Burns
• The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression
• Self-Esteem Workbook by Glenn Schiraldi, Matthew McKay, & Patrick Fanning

Recommended Web Sites

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• Mayo Clinic
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Online Screening for Depression
• Treatment for Depression