01/12/2026
Depression is not one single experience, and it does not look the same for everyone. Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and psychotic depression are just a few of the many forms it can take, each with its own patterns, intensity, and care needs. When we name the type, we get closer to the right support, and we reduce the shame that comes from feeling like you should be able to power through. Major depressive disorder is typically an episode of low mood and loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and affects day-to-day functioning. Persistent depressive disorder is a longer-lasting form of depression with symptoms that can feel “always there” for two years or more. Seasonal affective disorder often follows a seasonal pattern, commonly showing up in fall and winter, and can include low energy, sleep changes, and shifts in appetite. Psychotic depression includes severe depressive symptoms along with delusions or hallucinations, and it requires urgent, specialized care. If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone, and you deserve support that fits what you are experiencing. You are not alone.