A gay person sitting beside a bed with head down and arms crossed in a type of depression.

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Types of Depression

Depression does not look the same for everyone. And this is especially true in the case of LGBTQ people who often deal with discrimination, trauma, struggles with identity, and self-image, which adds extra layers to the condition. At Inspire Recovery, we often see depression show up alongside substance use, and this makes understanding exactly what kind of depression is present important to us.

Whether you have major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or a lesser-known form like dysthymia, each type of depression has its own symptoms and treatment needs. Knowing the type of depression you have can help you and your care team create a recovery plan that addresses both your mental health and your sobriety.

What are the Types of Depression?

Major Depression

Also known as clinical depression, it is the most well-known form of the condition. Major depression shows up as a deep, persistent low mood, low energy, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, appetite or weight changes, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. You may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Treatment often combines therapy with medication, and in more severe or treatment-resistant cases, psychiatrists might consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Previously called dysthymia, this form of depression involves a low mood that lasts for two years or more. While symptoms might not be as intense as major depression, they are long-lasting and can impact daily life. Many people with this condition can function day to day, but often feel numb, low, or disengaged. Other symptoms can include changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, hopelessness, or poor self-esteem.

Depression in Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar affective disorder is marked by episodes of depression between episodes of mania/hypomania, i.e., periods of elevated mood, high energy, and impulsive behavior. Manic symptoms can include grandiosity, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, and risky behaviors like substance use, overspending or sexual impulsivity. While mania can feel euphoric, it often leads to instability or a depressive crash. Bipolar affective disorder is treated with mood stabilizers rather than standard antidepressants, and the condition responds well to specialized care.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

People usually have this type of depression during the fall and winter months. It is generally attributed to changes in daylight and disruptions to the body’s internal clock. It may also relate to how the brain processes serotonin and melatonin. Symptoms can mirror those of major depression. Light therapy (daily exposure to a bright light source) is a common and effective treatment. Medication and talk therapy may also help.

Atypical Depression

Despite the name, atypical depression is actually quite common. Its primary feature is that you can feel temporarily better in response to positive events, unlike other forms of depression. Other symptoms may include increased appetite or noticeable weight gain, sleeping significantly more than usual, and a longstanding pattern of heightened sensitivity to rejection. This sensitivity can strain relationships and affect work or social life. While the symptoms differ from classic depression, treatment can still be highly effective.

The Relationship Between Depression and Addiction

It is quite common for people to experience both depression and substance addiction at the same time. In some cases, people use alcohol or drugs to cope with overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, hopelessness, or anxiety. These substances might offer short-term relief, but they often make depression worse in the long run. On the flip side, struggling with addiction can cause these same feelings, and then they trigger depressive episodes.

When a mental health and substance use disorder are linked in this way, it is known as a co-occurring disorder. When combined, these disorders can severely affect a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, making everyday life feel unbearable.

Effective treatment needs to address both conditions in conjunction. For LGBTQ+ people, inclusive, affirming, trauma-informed care is especially important because they experience discrimination and stigma that complicate the picture. With Inspire Recovery’s support, healing from both depression and addiction is possible.

Get Comprehensive Care with Inspire Recovery

Inspire Recovery understands how depression and substance use can intertwine, especially while moving through life as an LGBTQ person. We also offer treatment that will not only help you with addiction and depression, but also support your overall well-being. If you are ready to take the next step toward healing, we will support you with compassionate, evidence-based care. Contact Inspire Recovery today at 561-756-2655 to begin your recovery journey with a team that welcomes you as you are.

What is the most severe type of depression?

Major depression is considered the most severe type. It can feel all-consuming, with intense sadness, hopelessness, and guilt that make it hard to get through the day. You might lose interest in things you once enjoyed and notice physical symptoms like weight changes, sleep disturbances, or constant fatigue. Fortunately, centers like Inspire Recovery offer effective treatment options to help people manage these symptoms and recover from co-occurring substance use.

What causes depression?

Depression is a result of predisposing biological, psychological, and social factors. If depression runs in your family, it does not mean you are guaranteed to become depressed, but that your chances are higher than those of the general population. Alterations in brain chemistry or anatomy may also impact mood and emotional regulation. Stressful life events, like grief, financial hardship, or social isolation, can trigger or worsen depression.

How do you treat depression that co-exists with addiction?

Treating depression that co-exists with addiction means supporting the whole person with care that’s compassionate, trauma-informed, and affirming. Therapy, especially models like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help untangle the thought and behavioral patterns that connect low mood, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and substance use. Medication may also be part of the treatment to help stabilize emotions and support healing. Recovery works best when it’s grounded in safety, trust, and understanding.

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