Unseen Faces of Depression: Your Ultimate Guide to the Many Shades of Blue

7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a term used to describe when an individual has a severe case of premenstrual syndrome in the week before the start of their period. Around five percent of women of child-bearing age will experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Fluctuations in hormones and serotonin are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include hopelessness, sadness, tension, anxiety, extreme moodiness, anger, and marked irritability. Other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that are also characteristic of premenstrual dysphoric disorder include fatigue, sleep changes, changes in eating habits, bloating, and breast tenderness. It is common for an individual affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder to have underlying anxiety or depression amplified by the fluctuations in hormones when they are menstruating.

8. Situational Depression

Situational depression describes when an individual has a short-term episode of depression symptoms correlated with increased stress. This form of depression usually affects an individual after they have been a part of a traumatic event or series of events. This form of depression is considered to be a form of adjustment disorder, making it difficult for an individual to adapt to their everyday activities and duties after a traumatic event. Common events that can produce situational depression include problems at school, illness, the birth of a baby, natural disaster, living in an unsafe area, financial difficulties, moving, relationship problems, and problems at work. Symptoms of situational depression include sadness, lack of enjoyment of regular activities, constant worrying, disinterest in food, hopelessness, regular crying, feeling anxious, problems focusing, feeling overwhelmed, not paying bills, thoughts of suicide, and difficulties with sleep.