What Are the Different Types of Depression?

Depression isn’t just “feeling sad.” It’s a heavy, exhausting weight that affects how you think, feel, sleep, eat, and connect with people you care about. It can make simple things—getting out of bed, taking a shower, answering a text—feel impossible.

But depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. There are different types, and understanding them helps you know what you’re up against—and that there are treatments that work.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What it feels like: A deep, persistent sadness or emptiness that lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for weeks or months. You lose interest in things you used to enjoy, your energy drops, and you may feel worthless or hopeless.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

What it feels like: A lower-grade but long-lasting depression. The heaviness sticks around for at least two years. It’s not always intense, but it’s always there—like carrying a backpack full of bricks you can’t put down.

Bipolar Depression

What it feels like: Part of bipolar disorder. You swing between periods of depression and periods of mania or hypomania (high energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive choices). The depressive episodes can look very similar to major depression but are part of that bigger cycle.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

What it feels like: Depression that shows up with the seasons, usually in the fall and winter when daylight shrinks. Fatigue, low mood, oversleeping, and carb cravings are common. It often lifts again in the spring or summer.

Postpartum Depression

What it feels like: More than “baby blues.” This hits after childbirth and can include overwhelming sadness, anxiety, irritability, or feeling disconnected from your baby. It’s not your fault—it’s a serious condition that needs support.

Psychotic Depression

What it feels like: Severe depression paired with losing touch with reality—hallucinations (seeing or hearing things others don’t) or delusions (fixed false beliefs). It’s rare but very serious.

Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder)

What it feels like: Depression triggered by a major life stress—loss, divorce, job change, illness. It usually improves once you adjust to the new reality, but in the moment, it can feel crushing.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

What it feels like: Depression that doesn’t improve after trying typical treatments like therapy or medication. It’s stubborn—but not hopeless. There are advanced options (EMDR, ketamine, TMS, lifestyle integration) that can help.

Final Thoughts

Depression is not laziness. It’s not weakness. It’s not “all in your head.” It’s real, and it takes a toll—but it’s also treatable. Therapy, medication, EMDR, lifestyle changes, and support can all make recovery possible.

I tell my clients: “Depression lies. It says you’re broken or alone. The truth is you’re human—and healing is possible.”