Understanding Depressive Disorders: Definitions, Types, and Symptoms
Depressive disorder is a mental condition often characterized by profound feelings of sadness. Those affected frequently lose interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed.
Mood changes in depression are not always visible to others. A person may appear fine on the outside while struggling emotionally on the inside.
Depression can also affect the way someone thinks, sleeps, eats, and even how they perceive their own life. That is why it is important to recognize the early signs of depression so that proper support and treatment can be obtained.
What Is a Depressive Disorder?
According to the World Health Organization, depressive disorder is a common mental illness that involves a persistently low mood or a loss of interest in activities over an extended period.
Depression is not just an occasional change in mood. It can impact every aspect of life, including relationships, work or academic performance, and physical health.
Depressive disorders can affect anyone. The latest data from the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey shows that the prevalence of depression in Indonesia is 1.4 percent, which is about one in every hundred people aged 15 and above.
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Types of Depressive Disorders
There are several types of depressive disorders, distinguished by their causes. The following list is adapted from WebMD:
1. Major Depressive Disorder
Major depression is the most well-known form of depression. People with this disorder experience deep sadness and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. These symptoms last for at least two weeks and significantly affect daily life.
2. Persistent Depressive Disorder
Unlike major depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, also called dysthymia, is milder but long-lasting and can continue for years. Its symptoms are often overlooked because they may appear as simple fatigue or prolonged low mood.
3. Bipolar Disorder
Although not entirely classified as depression, people with bipolar disorder experience intense depressive episodes. During these phases, their symptoms resemble those of major depression.
4. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
This disorder typically affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by excessive anger outbursts that are inappropriate for the situation. Those affected may be easily irritated, quick to anger, and struggle to manage their emotions.
5. Seasonal Affective Disorder
This type of depression occurs due to seasonal changes, usually during rainy or cold seasons when sunlight is limited. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, increased appetite (especially for sweets), and a desire to sleep more.
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6. Psychotic Depression
This form of depression involves psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) or delusions (holding beliefs that are not based in reality). For example, someone might feel excessive guilt, believing they caused a disaster. Psychotic depression requires intensive medical treatment, often combining antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.
7. Prenatal Depression
Some women experience depression during pregnancy, which may be caused by hormonal changes, stress, excessive worry, or lack of emotional support.
8. Postpartum Depression
Different from the “baby blues,” which last only a few days, postpartum depression occurs for weeks or months after giving birth. Mothers may feel constant sadness, believe they are failing as a parent, struggle to bond with their baby, and in some cases, experience thoughts of harming themselves or their child.
9. Situational Depression
This type arises in response to specific life events, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or severe stress. Although it can resemble major depression, situational depression is usually milder and temporary, improving over time with appropriate support.
10. Atypical Depression
Atypical depression presents with unique symptoms. For example, a person may feel briefly better after hearing good news but soon return to sadness.
Other symptoms include increased appetite, excessive sleep, a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, and extreme sensitivity to rejection. Atypical depression can occur as part of major depression or dysthymia.
Therapeutic Approaches to Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Depression
If you or someone close to you experiences any of the following depressive symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or psychiatrist for a psychological evaluation and physical examination if needed.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the warning signs of depression include:
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability or restlessness
- Guilt or feelings of helplessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue
- Difficulty getting out of bed
- Changes in appetite
- Physical aches or pains
- Thoughts about death
- Impulsiveness
- Alcohol or drug use
- Social withdrawal
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities
It is important to note that not everyone with depression will display all of these symptoms. Some may experience only a few, while others may exhibit many of them.
Mindfulness for a More Meaningful Life
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce negative thoughts, which are one of the main symptoms of depression. Research by Sevim and colleagues (2025) shows that mindfulness plays a significant role in alleviating depressive symptoms, particularly by helping individuals act with awareness and understand their emotions more clearly.
With consistent mindfulness practice, a person can improve sleep quality, manage stress in healthier ways, and cultivate inner balance. Ultimately, mindfulness is not just about calming the mind but also about living each day with greater awareness, presence, and meaning.
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