Different types of depression & their symptoms

Depression has been so widely talked about these days, but it doesn’t always look like what people expect. 

That’s because depression comes in different forms, each carrying its own pattern, triggers and treatment considerations.

What exactly is depression?

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) describes depression as “a serious mental health issue where sadness, flat or low mood, or a sense of ‘emptiness’ is prolonged  - lasting weeks, months and sometimes years.”

It isn’t simply feeling down after hearing bad news. It’s where the low mood lingers, even when there’s no obvious reason to feel upset.

Key signs and symptoms

• A low mood most of the day, nearly every day

• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities

• Changes in sleep (too much or too little)

• Appetite or weight (gain or loss)

• Low energy, feeling slowed down or restless

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Major depressive disorder (clinical depression)

Often referred to as major depression or clinical depression, this form is defined by a cluster of significant symptoms - including depressed mood or loss of interest - lasting at least two weeks and causing noticeable impairment in daily life.

The American Psychiatric Association describes it as “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world.”

How it might show

• Low mood most days, nearly all day

• Lost interest in things once enjoyed

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Appetite and weight changes

• Low energy or fatigue

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking

• Thoughts of death or suicide

What help involves

• A GP usually asks how long symptoms have persisted, how they're affecting your life, and whether physical health or substances might be involved.

• Treatment typically includes talk therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy), medication when needed, plus lifestyle support (sleep, movement, social connection)

• In more severe cases, a medical doctor, like a psychiatrist, may become involved

Persistent depressive disorder (formerly dysthymia)

Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a long‑term but often less intense form of depression. It involves a low mood most days for at least two years in adults.

How it might show

• A chronic low mood rather than a dramatic drop

• The mood has been there for many months or years

• You may feel “this is just how I am”

• Symptoms may include low energy, self‑esteem issues, sleep or appetite changes

• Because the signs may be subtle, you or others may not realise it’s depression

What help involves

• Support will often resemble that for major depression, but with added focus on long‑term management and preventing relapse

• Establishing routines and supports that increase stability and resilience becomes important

Seasonal pattern depression (seasonal affective disorder)

The term ‘seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD) refers to depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often emerging during months with less daylight and then easing when daylight returns.

How it might show

• You might notice a pattern: moods drop, energy falls, sleep or appetite changes each winter (or in another season)

• You may feel more like your usual self during times of more daylight

• Symptoms may include low mood, oversleeping, carbohydrate craving, weight gain (in the “winter‑type” pattern)

What help involves

• Light therapy is an evidence‑based strategy

• Talk therapy and possibly medications may be appropriate

• Planning ahead for seasons, maintaining daylight exposure, staying socially active and supporting sleep can help

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Perinatal depression (pregnancy and after birth)

Perinatal depression covers depression during pregnancy (antenatal) or in the first year after birth (postpartum).

How it might show

You may notice persistent sadness or anxiety, irritability or difficulty bonding with your baby, major sleep or appetite changes, or feeling overwhelmed and guilty even when you expected to feel joyful.

What help involves

• Speak with your GP or maternal‑health nurse and mention how long symptoms have lasted

• Treatment may include therapy, interventions tailored for pregnancy or breastfeeding, peer support, and parenting support services

Atypical depression

Atypical depression is a subtype of major depression characterised by mood reactivity (the mood improves briefly in response to positive events), plus features such as increased appetite, oversleeping, heaviness in limbs and sensitivity to rejection.

How it might show

• A low mood that may lift somewhat after a positive event

• Sleeping more than usual, eating more, a feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs

• Feeling especially upset by criticism or rejection

What help involves

• Talk therapy targeting mood patterns and situational triggers

• Medication may be more strongly considered in specialist care

• Lifestyle supports focusing on improving sleep and daily structure

Other types worth recognising

• Situational or adjustment‑related depression: This is when a stressful life event (job loss, relationship breakdown, major change) leads to a depressive response. While not always formally labelled, therapy is especially helpful in this situation.

• Treatment‑resistant depression: This is when standard treatment options (therapy and/or medication) have not delivered sufficient relief. Specialist care may be required.

What you or someone you care about can do

1. Spotting patterns

• Notice whether mood, interest, sleep or appetite have changed and stayed changed for two weeks or more

• Check whether life areas (study, work, social, family) are being affected

• If you’re supporting someone else, you might say: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed different lately. Would you be open to talking with someone?”

2. Visiting a GP or health professional

• Your GP will ask how long you’ve felt this way, what symptoms you have, how much your life is impacted, and whether any physical health issues or medications might be involved

• You may receive a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist

3. Support and treatment options in Australia

• Psychotherapy: Face‑to‑face or online talk therapies, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), have substantial evidence in helping with depression

• Medication: Antidepressants may be recommended after discussion with your GP or psychiatrist.

• Lifestyle strategies:

  • Regular sleep patterns

  • Physical activity

  • Healthy nutrition

  • Maintaining connection with friends, family, or communities you care about

  • Limiting alcohol and avoiding drug misuse, which tend to worsen mood

• Specialist services: For complex or long‑term cases, specialist clinics (for mood disorders, perinatal mental health, etc) are available

• If there’s a crisis: If you or someone else is thinking about self‑harm or suicide, call 000 or head to your nearest emergency department without delay

Final thoughts

It may feel daunting to acknowledge that your mood, energy, or joy in life is not what it used to be. Recognising what you’re experiencing means you can look for the right kind of support sooner.

If you suspect you or someone you care about is experiencing depression, please speak with a GP as soon as possible. Depression might lead you to feel overwhelmed or hopeless, but it is manageable and treatable with the necessary support.