I'm not sure... I"ve had two bouts of major depression (I'm in the middle of the second.) and those symptoms are severe and inhibit my functioning on a daily basis. Can't get out of bed, can't go to work, can't talk to anyone, suicidal ideation, etc.

In between I had about 9 or 10 years of feeling well with no antidepressants and no therapy. I did have ups and downs, some of those downs might have been episodes of minor depression. My manager and boss I think would recognize them... sometimes they would say that I was very quiet for the day.

I would fight that with just some of my depression coping skills and ride them out. I don't think they ever lasted for more than a few days.

This new depression hit me suddenly and very powerfully and has lasted for months... Definitely something different.