Depression is a mental illness that has many faces and there is no single diagnosis applying to everyone suffering with it. However, the one thing that characterizes all types of depression is that it is more than feeling a little “sad”, with symptoms varying from mild to debilitating according to the individual. Although we all go through phases in our lives when we feel “down”, depression is something much worse, with people battling the illness on a daily basis just to function at all.

Depression varies greatly from person-to-person although it can lead to a feeling of desperation that it will never end. The good news is that no matter how severe a person’s depression, there is treatment available that can reduce distressing symptoms to allow them to cope better with daily life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are the following types of depression:

• Bipolar disorder I and II: characterized by mood swings or “episodes” where the sufferer fluctuates between depression and mania
• Bipolar II: a milder form of the disorder, characterized by milder episodes of mania and depression
• Cyclothymic disorder: a milder form of bipolar disorder marked by less intense mood swings
• Persistent depressive disorder: sometimes referred to as dysthymia, this is a chronic condition although actual symptoms of depression are less severe than with other types of the illness
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a depression triggered in women by hormonal changes around menstruation that generally passes a few days after their period
• There are other types of depression that are brought on by substance abuse, some prescription drugs or other medical conditions

Although there are several types of depression, with symptoms ranging from mild to intense, it is possible to treat sufferers, particularly when therapists have a good understanding of their case. At CASA Recovery, we take the time to undertake extensive evaluation and assessment of every patient entering our care, in order to ensure the best delivery of treatment that works best for them. Living with a chronic mental health condition can be extremely challenging but with professional support and understanding from loved ones, it is possible to find a way to cope. CASA Recovery treats mental illness and we’re here to help. Contact us today in confidence at our center in San Juan Capistrano, CA to find out more.