What Are the 4 Types of Depression?

There are four major types of depression our therapy deals with. Each revolves around the root causes of the depression and affects what best treatment is to help a patient manage and recover.

Situational Depression

Situational depression is a natural response to challenging life events, such as receiving difficult news or facing a tough situation. It often involves deep sadness triggered by experiences like the loss of a loved one, the collapse of a business, or not achieving a goal you've worked hard for. This type of depression is a normal reaction to life's setbacks.

However, when the depression lasts for weeks or goes into months with little sign of abating, then it's time to look at therapy to help make sure you're not stuck and that the healing process begins. Time can be a powerful force in this, but it won't work alone.

Psychological Depression

Psychological depression is a mental health condition that can stem from internal struggles or setbacks. It often involves a tendency to focus on the negatives, engage in negative self-talk, or feel inadequate due to not meeting unrealistic expectations. While setting goals and working toward aspirations is important, an unhealthy approach, where progress feels too slow or unattainable, can lead to deeper feelings of depression.

Biological Depression

Biological depression can be especially challenging because the physical imbalances in the body not only contribute directly to the depression but can also make it harder to overcome situational or psychological depression. This often creates a cycle, where the effects of one type of depression feed into another, making it more difficult to break free.

While medical treatment may be necessary to help with a biological-based depression, therapy should be a part of that process as good mental tools will help with fighting through the worst episodes while also building up the not-as-bad times to be just a touch better.

Existential Depression

If you’ve found yourself grappling with questions like, "What is the purpose of it all? Why does my life matter? What does it all mean?" and these thoughts have shifted from fleeting doubts to a deep sense of sadness, you may be experiencing existential depression.

While some people may be able to move past it, existential depression can be particularly difficult to overcome. It doesn’t just stem from struggling to find meaning or achieve goals—it can also arise even after experiencing success, leaving you feeling unfulfilled or uncertain.

Can Therapy Help My Depression?

The answer is yes - therapy sessions can absolutely help! For some patients, a therapy program can help to build the mental tools, fortitude, and self-confidence to be able to rise above emotional depressive states at a higher and more frequent level. Reframe Counseling Services are mental health professionals that are located in Holly Springs and North Raleigh, NC.