There are no real stages of depression, as it affects each individual differently, a teenager will experience different symptoms than an adult. There are so many variables involved with this mental health disorder that there are set stages and each individual’s experience will be different.

The causes of the disorder can also vary between individuals, and what may cause depression in one individual may not cause it in another. Things like genetics, life experiences, lifestyles, personality traits can cause the disease. Also for these reasons it is difficult to identify the different stages of the disease.

It is possible to list the different types of depression and the various symptoms associated with depression. If left untreated, depression can manifest itself and get worse. There is no need to suffer if an individual believes that he may have depression because depression is very treatable. Seeking the help of a health professional can spare the individual unnecessary suffering and possible physical problems that can occur due to prolonged depression, as well as causing unnecessary suffering to those close to the individual. The depression will eventually wear off, but this can take weeks, months, and even years.

Depression is an illness that affects the body, mind, mood, eating habits, sleep patterns, and the way you feel about yourself. Depression is not just feeling sad and it is not a disorder that can go away on its own. It is not a sign of weakness and those who suffer from depression cannot simply recover. It is an episodic disorder that if left untreated will eventually wear off, this can take weeks, months, or years. Most of those who seek treatment from a health profession can be successful in treating depression.

There are different types of depression that can manifest in anyone at any given time for a number of different reasons, but usually the brain has become overloaded and illness occurs.

major depression – This is a clinical depression in which people lose interest in things and activities they once enjoyed. They have a feeling of sadness all the time.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression – Also known as manic depression and is a type of depression that has extreme or subtle ups and downs.

dysthymic disorder- This is a disorder that is ongoing, but has mild symptoms.

cyclothymic disorder- This is a mild form of bipolar depression..People can have mood swings that almost seem normal.

Postpartum Depression (PND) or Postpartum Depression – This disorder occurs in women who have just given birth, it’s a mix of behavioral, emotional, and physical changes that occur in 10 percent of new mothers. It can appear days after birth and up to a year, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – This disorder occurs seasonally and is caused by lack of sunlight.