Types of Depression: Major, Persistent, and Seasonal Patterns

When talking about depression, many people might seem to portray it as a single condition. However, depression manifests itself differently.

Some people experience intense periods that come and go.
Then there are people who spend years in a low mood.
Other people discover that their symptoms relate to specific seasons.

These differences keep you informed of what you could be facing. It also assists you in getting the appropriate type of support.

Different Types of Depression

Let's talk about the 3 most common types:

Major Depressive Disorder: Intense episodes lasting 2+ weeks
Persistent Depressive Disorder: Chronic low mood lasting 2+ years
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Depression triggered by seasonal changes

1. Major Depressive Disorder

Most people associate depression with major depressive disorder.

It's also called clinical depression. It is debilitating and unbearable to live normally on a daily basis. Easy tasks become too complicated.

This form of depression alters the way you think and feel. It will influence your energy, sleep, and appetite. Work becomes harder. Relationships suffer.

The signs are:

Deep sadness that lasts most days
Loss of interest in things that you liked doing before
Being fatigued despite being rested
Alterations in hunger - overeating or insufficient eating
Difficulty concentrating on what people are saying or doing
Guilt or worthlessness
Physical pain or aches without any clear causes

Diagnosis of the major depression requires the symptoms to last longer than 2 weeks. They should also disrupt your life, occupation, personal relations, or self-care.

The good news is that major depressive disorder can be treated. Treatment can be either therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments.

A great number of people get better with the right approach.

2. Persistent Depressive Disorder

Sometimes depression quietly settles in and lingers for years. That's persistent depressive disorder.

This chronic depression feels different from major depression. It's less intense but lasts much longer.

People often think, "this is just how I am", or "I've always been sad."

Persistent depressive disorder can actually last at least two years. Because it develops rather slowly, many people don't even realize they have it.

Common signs include:

Low mood most days
Less energy than normal
Trouble making decisions
Having no hope for the future at all
Low self-esteem
Sleep issues
Difficulty concentrating

This type of depression can be hard to spot. It becomes part of your everyday life. But feeling low for years isn't normal. Treatment can help lift this constant sadness.

Once you recognize persistent depressive disorder, depression treatment can make a real difference. You can learn what life feels like without this constant weight.

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you notice your mood changes with the seasons? When days get shorter, do you feel sadder? This might be Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

This type of seasonal depression usually happens in the fall and winter. Less sunlight affects your body's internal clock. You might feel tired and sad during these months.

Winter depression symptoms include:

Feeling tired in the afternoon
Wanting to eat more carbs and gaining weight
No desire to be around friends or family
Being annoyed at nothing in particular
Not being able to focus or concentrate at school
Tired all the time despite sleeping more
Heavy feeling in your arms and legs

Seasonal affective disorder can be predictable. You may even dread specific months because you know how they tend to make you feel. But predictable doesn't mean you have no control over it.

Light therapy for seasonal depression can be effective for most people. You sit in front of a bright light box for about 30 minutes daily in the morning.

This will help reprogram your body's clock.

Other seasonal depression treatments include psychotherapy and medicine. A lot of people find they can make it through hard times much easier with help.

Your Depression Experience Is Unique

These categories help explain different types of depression.

But your experience might not fit perfectly into one box. Some people also might have major depression episodes along with persistent depression.

Others find that seasonal changes trigger worse symptoms.

There are numerous ways in which depression influences people.

Various kinds of depression usually require different treatments. Knowing your pattern will assist you and your physician in discovering what suits you.

Depression Treatment Options

There are ways to treat depression. With the right method, many people end up getting better. It is not just the treatment of the symptoms. It is a matter of getting your life back.

Depression Therapy and Counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists in altering negative thoughts
Interpersonal therapy is concerned with relationships and communication
Talk therapy is also beneficial as it provides a space to discuss your feelings

Antidepressant Medications

These assist in the balancing of brain chemicals that influence mood
Medications have various mechanisms of action
Depression is a medical condition that is treated through medication

Lifestyle Changes for Depression

Regular sleep schedules help your body's natural rhythm
Exercise releases brain chemicals, these chemicals can improve mood
Sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, helps regulate sleep
Social connections are essential, even brief interactions
Good nutrition supports wellness and brain health

Alternative Depression Treatments

Seasonal affective disorder can be helped through light therapy boxes
Difficult thoughts are dealt with through mindfulness practices
Physical tension can be resolved by acupuncture and massage as well
Nutritional supplements may be of benefit to you in case of deficiencies

It takes time to find an appropriate combination of depression treatments. What was considered to be effective to one may not be to the other. This is natural.

Life and Destiny Health provides assessment and management for depression.

We can help provide an effective care plan for you.

How Life and Destiny Health Can Help with Depression Treatment

At Life and Destiny Health, we understand that depression affects the whole family. We provide complete mental health care that looks at your entire situation.

We assess and treat all types of depression.

We design treatment plans that are compatible with your life, regardless of whether you suffer from major depressive disorder, persistent depression, or seasonal affective disorder.

You can visit us physically or virtually; whichever is more convenient to you.

Schedule Depression Treatment Consultation

Everything is more difficult with depression, including seeking help.

However, getting mental health care may begin with a mere discussion by sharing what you have been going through.

Knowing your depression type enables you to get effective treatment.

Life and Destiny Health provides comprehensive mental health care.

To make an appointment, you can visit ourcontact page.

You can also call us at 401-999-2323 or email us at lifeanddestinyhealth@gmail.com.

Additional Mental Health Resources

To get more details about depression, check out theNational Institute of Mental Health to find research-based information and clinical evidence.

If you're having suicidal thoughts, the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free to reach 24 hours a day. Please reach out.

FAQs

Does depression have any cure at all?

Depression is a medical condition and may still require management even though the condition is very treatable and a lot of people can achieve full remission.

Most individuals learn to cope with it well under treatment, and they live happily.

Under what circumstances would I need professional assistance in case of depression?

Consult a professional in case your symptoms of depression last longer than two weeks, or when they disrupt working or relationships or involve thinking of harming yourself.

Better treatment results are normally achieved when early intervention is carried out.

Is there insurance coverage for the treatment of depression?

Due to mental health parity legislation, most health insurance policies cover mental health care, such as mental health therapy and medication.

What do I do to find depression treatment near me?

First, ask your insurance company about its list of covered mental health professionals.

There are also possibilities of using online directories, seeking referrals from your primary care physician, or contacting mental health practices in your area.

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Am I Using Substances to Cope? How to Recognize Substance Use Disorders

By David kwami • January 16, 2026

It can be hard to know if you are using substances to cope. You may feel alone or scared. We will help you see signs. We will use clear and straightforward language. Our approach will be kind and transparent. If you need assistance, we are here to help. What Is Substance Use? Substance use means using drugs or alcohol. Some people use them once in a while. Others use them more and more. When use starts to cause harm, it may be a substance use disorder. That means the use is affecting daily life, mood, work, or health. Why People Use Substances to Cope People turn to substances for many reasons. You might use them to: Calm down when you feel anxious or stressed . Stop feeling sad or lonely. Sleep when your mind is racing. Forget hard times or bad memories. Using once does not always mean a disorder. But if it becomes a main way to cope, it can become a problem. Signs to Watch For Look for changes in how you feel and act. These signs are warning flags: You use more than you planned. You try to cut down but can’t. You spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering. You crave the substance. You keep using even when it hurts your body or mind. You stop doing things you used to enjoy. Your sleep or eating changes a lot. Your mood swings or you feel more anxious or angry. You have money or legal trouble because of use. You hide your use or lie about it. If several of these fit you, it may be time to get support. Changes in Your Life to Notice Substance use shows up in everyday life. Check for: Work or school problems. Trouble with friends or family. Missing events or not caring about plans. A mood that swings from happy to very low. Health problems like stomach pain, headaches, or more colds. These changes may be small at first. They can grow if not noticed. How to Ask Yourself Simple Questions Try these short questions. Answer with yes or no: Do I feel better when I am sad or scared? Do I think about using a lot during the day? Have I tried to stop and could not? Has my use caused trouble at home, work, or school? If you said yes to one or more, reach out to someone you trust or a health provider. When to Get Help Get help right away if you: Feel like you might hurt yourself. Think you might hurt someone else. Have severe shaking, fever, or you cannot wake up. Need more of the substance just to feel normal. Call emergency services or go to the nearest clinic if this happens. How We Can Help at Life and Destiny Health We work with you in a kind and whole-person way. We offer both in-person and telehealth visits. This means you can talk to us from home or come in. Our services include: Primary and urgent care for physical health. Mental health services to support your mind. Substance use care and help to make a plan. Health education and wellness coaching to build new skills. Dr. David Selasi Kwami leads our care with deep experience. He has worked in primary care, mental health and substance use care. He meets patients where they are. He respects your story and your pace. What to Expect When You Reach Out When you call or book a visit, we will listen first. You can tell us what you want. We will not judge. We will ask about your use, health and how it affects your life. Then we will make a simple plan with you. That plan may include: A safety plan for hard moments. Planning for medical care or testing if needed. Therapy to learn new ways to cope. Medication when it can help. Referrals to support groups or rehab if needed. We can help in one visit or many. We work with you step by step. Simple Ways to Start Right Now Try one small step you feel okay with: Tell one person you trust how you feel. Delay use by 1 hour when you feel the urge. Use that hour to walk, call, or breathe. Write down why you want to change and keep it where you can see it. Make a list of safe people to call when you feel low. Schedule a visit with a health provider for a check-in. Small steps add up. You do not have to do everything at once. You Are Not Alone Many people use substances to cope. Many people also find help and healing. Asking for help is brave. It does not mean you failed. It means you want to take care of yourself. If you want to talk, we are here. Life and Destiny Health offers telehealth and in-person care. Dr. Kwami and our team are ready to listen with care. You can ask for a visit for mental health, substance use support, or general health needs. We will meet you where you are and help you find the next good step. FAQs Q. What is a substance use disorder? It is when using alcohol, drugs, or medicines causes harm in your life. It makes daily life harder. Q. Does this include prescription medicine? Yes. Using more medicine than your doctor told you can be a problem too.

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July 25, 2025

Discover How to Recognize Anxiety and Its Link to Substance Use. Learn to identify anxiety symptoms, understand the connection, and find healthy coping strategies.

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