What Are The Five Types Of Depression? 2026

Feeling down sometimes is normal, but if that sadness sticks around and messes with your daily life, it might be depression. It’s a real medical issue, and it comes in different types, like major depression, seasonal depression (SAD), or even depression after having a baby.

Dealing with depression can be tough on your own. If you or someone you know is struggling, there are good ways to get help. Things like talking to a therapist, taking medication, and even simple self-care like exercise can make a big difference. A mental health expert can figure out what’s going on, and online therapy can be a game-changer for working through symptoms in your everyday life.

What depression feels like

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a mood problem that can make you lose interest in things you once loved, feel tired all the time, and have lots of other mental and physical symptoms. When regular sadness or grief turns into something intense, with feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, that’s when depression might be setting in.

People often say they’re depressed casually, but clinical depression is diagnosed based on a specific set of symptoms. Usually, if you have five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks, it points to depression:

Feeling tired or low on energy most days
A generally low mood
Feeling sad or grieving for most of the day, especially in the morning
Having trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions
Feeling guilty or like you’re not good enough
Sleep issues, whether it’s not being able to sleep or sleeping too much
Feeling restless
Having thoughts about death or suicide
Losing interest in hobbies you used to enjoy
Frequent headaches or body pains with no clear reason

For really stubborn depression symptoms, doctors might suggest special treatments that involve brain stimulation, like ECT.

It’s not a good idea to try and diagnose yourself based on this list. While some people wrongly think depression isn’t real, it affects a ton of people all over the world. Experts like the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have guidelines for diagnosing and treating it. Your doctor or a therapist can give you a proper diagnosis. They might suggest a mix of treatments, like medication, therapy, or light therapy, to help you get a handle on your symptoms.

What causes depression

Depression can run in families, meaning if your relatives have it, you might be more likely to. Your surroundings can play a role too, like stressful life events. Certain medications, other health problems, or even substance use can also lead to depression. Often, it’s a mix of these things that brings it on. For example, your genes might टीम up with messed-up sleep patterns to cause seasonal depression (SAD). If you think someone you care about is dealing with depression, it’s a good idea to look into how you can support them.

Different Types of depression

There are several types of depression out there, including bipolar depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and postpartum depression. They each have their own features, like specific triggers or certain kinds of sadness. Everyone experiences depression differently.

Major depressive disorder

This is often called clinical depression. People with this type usually lose interest in pretty much everything, even things they used to love. Other signs can include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, feeling drained, despair, and feeling worthless. Thoughts about death or suicide are also common. Treatment usually involves medication, therapy, or both.

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

This used to be called dysthymia. It’s basically ongoing depression symptoms that last for two years or more. The symptoms are usually milder than major depression but stick around for a long time. People with PDD can often manage their daily lives, but getting professional help can still really ease those persistent symptoms.

Bipolar disorder

Sometimes called bipolar affective disorder, this involves swings between periods of extreme energy (mania or hypomania) and major depressive episodes that usually last two weeks or more. During the depressive parts, it can feel a lot like major depressive disorder. However, some antidepressants might not be the right choice for bipolar disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

As the name hints, SAD comes with depressive episodes that happen with the seasons, especially in winter. The symptoms are similar to major depressive disorder: low energy, sadness, sleep issues, weight changes, and even thoughts of suicide. Experts suggest getting more sunlight, eating well, socializing, staying active, and seeing a therapist for SAD.

Postpartum depression

This is a common mood problem that can affect people after having a baby. While often linked to mothers, anyone, regardless of gender, can experience it. Some people are more likely to get it, like those who’ve had major depression or anxiety, deal with money troubles, or don’t have much support from family or friends. Online therapy and medications are often used to help with postpartum depression symptoms.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

This is like a super intense version of PMS. It usually starts a week or two before a period and can bring big mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, tiredness, irritability, and trouble focusing. PMDD can also cause physical problems like bloating, sore breasts, headaches, and messed-up sleep.

What kind of depression do I have, and what can I do?

While there’s plenty of info about different types of depression online, only a doctor or mental health professional can give you a real diagnosis. If you’re having symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your primary care doctor to start.

Your doctor might suggest counseling or therapy. They could also help you and come up with a treatment plan that involves regular exercise, mindfulness, and a type of talk therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you deal with symptoms. Many types of therapy, including CBT, can be very useful for understanding your feelings and learning how to manage your condition.

The bottom line

Depression symptoms can feel overwhelming sometimes, but there is help available. Some people worry about the stigma around mental health when thinking about getting help. But lots of people go through depression at some point, and a professional can really help you tackle your symptoms. If you’re experiencing depression symptoms, you can see your regular doctor or reach out to an online therapist to get support. What Are The Five Types Of Depression?

Depressive Disorder And Mental Health: What Are The Five Types Of Depression?