What are the different types of depression?

Taking a deeper look at depression, it can be helpful to consider 2 subtypes:

• Anaclitic Depression
• Introjective Depression

Anaclitic depression is characterized by feelings of helplessness, inadequacy and depletion. You might feel isolated or unloved and might struggle with fears of abandonment. Even worse, you might fear you have alienated the people who you want to love you.

Introjective Depression, by contrast, is characterized by harsh self-criticism, feelings of worthlessness, guilt over real or perceived mistakes, and a sense of failure. You might feel you have fallen short of your own standards or expectations. You might believe that you have disappointed or will eventually disappoint significant others.

These 2 forms of depression might occur separately or together. In either case, you might experience a loss of sexual desire, irritability, restlessness, headaches, back pain and constipation. You might also notice fatigue, low energy, weight loss or gain, and insomnia.