Types of Depression

Mild

Depression is described as mild when it has a negative but limited effect on your daily life, for example, you may have difficulty concentrating at work or motivating yourself to do the things you normally enjoy.

Moderate

More of the symptoms are present in moderate depression than in mild depression and they are usually more obvious. There may be a clear reduction in functioning at home and in the workplace.

Severe (sometimes known as clinical or major depression)

Severe depression significantly interferes with an individual’s ability to cope with their daily life - eating, sleeping and many other everyday activities seem impossible tasks which can be life-threatening, as a person may be unable to look after themselves. There is also a high risk of suicide. Some people may experience only one episode, but several episodes in a lifetime is more common. In some circumstances a person’s inability to function can lead to hospitalisation.

Bipolar Disorder (manic depression)

This is a less common form of depression characterised by cyclical mood changes of severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). See our factsheet on Bipolar Disorder for further information.

Psychotic depression

This occurs in rare cases of severe depression when depressive symptoms are accompanied by some form of psychosis such as  hallucinations or delusions.

Post-natal depression

This is not "the baby blues" which occurs 2-3 days after the birth and goes away. Postnatal depression can occur from about 2 weeks and up to a year after the birth. Around 1 in every 10 women has post natal depression after having a baby.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

 A type of depression linked to exposure to sunlight which generally coincides with the approach of winter, starting usually from September and lasting until spring brings longer days and more sunshine. Symptoms of this depression are a desire to sleep more and eat carbohydrate foods. Bright light therapy can be helpful.