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Depression is more than just "the blues". Depression is something that goes much deeper than the normal ups and downs of life. Depression is a medical condition that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. The illness is an intense sadness that, in addition to a variety of other crippling symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks. It is a serious health problem that can alter a person's behavior, physical health, appearance, academic performance, and the ability to deal with everyday decisions.

People with anxiety disorders frequently suffer from depression or symptoms of depression.

There are many types of depression. To be accurately diagnosed talk to your physician or a mental health professional. A combination of therapy and medication works to alleviate the effects of depression. Below are some common types of depression.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)
Dysthymia
Seasonal Affective Disorder

Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)
Bipolar disorder involves an alternating pattern of emotional highs and lows. The severity of this condition ranges from mild to very serious.
Symptoms:
· Feelings of extreme happiness, optimism and inflated self-esteem alternating with extreme feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
· Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
· Poor judgment and reckless behavior
· Trouble sleeping
· Difficulty concentrating/easily distracted
· Changes in sleep patterns and eating habits
· Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
· Persistent thoughts of suicide
· Extreme irritability

Dysthymia
Dysthymia lasts for at least two years. With this type of depression, victims are usually able to function in life without being hospitalized.
Symptoms:
· Poor school/work performance
· Withdrawal from social activities
· Shyness
· Extreme irritability/hostility
· Problems with family and friends
· Irregularity of body processes
· Sleep irregularities
· Parents who have major depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder affects people around the approach of winter, when the days are getting shorter. This type of depression is an extreme instance of the "winter blues" that is mitigated during the spring and summer.
Symptoms:
· Symptoms of depression occurring regularly during fall or winter months (changes in sleeping and eating habits; reoccurring sad, anxious or "empty" moods; loss of interest in activities once enjoyed)
· Relief of depression in spring and summer months
· Symptoms occurring in past two years, with no non-seasonal depression occurrences
· Seasonal occurrences greatly outnumber non-seasonal depression periods
· Craving sugary or starchy foods.

"Depression is a medical condition that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts."

"To be accurately diagnosed talk to your physician or a mental health professional."

"Bipolar disorder involves an alternating pattern of emotional highs and lows."