What is depression?

Depression is a serious and persistent condition that can negatively impact a person’s everyday life.¹ Also called “Major Depressive Disorder” or “clinical depression,” it affects how one thinks, feels, and handles day-to-day activities.² Individuals are considered depressed if their symptoms persist for two weeks or longer and affect their previous level of functioning.³ (See What are the symptoms of depression?) There are several types of depression, including:^{4, 5}

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), where symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, and eat.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, which occurs when symptoms of depression last for years.
• Double Depression, where people experience a concurrence of MDD and PDD.
• Perinatal Depression, where a woman experiences major depression during pregnancy.
• Postpartum Depression, which occurs after a woman has delivered a baby.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is characterized by occasional symptoms of depression occurring typically late fall and early winter.  For these individuals, their symptoms go away during the spring and summer months.