[Nike007]

Recently, I was reading something on atypical depression, and then curious on what it was, I looked it up. I read what the symptoms are and it was me. I have never been diagnosed with depression, but from my parents' divorce, I have been depressed.

Anyways, does anyone else here have atypical depression as a specifier? How does it impact someone without the specifier? Thanks.

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What symptoms in particular do you think mark your depression as atypical? Is it this one?

"The main characteristic of atypical depression that distinguishes it from melancholic depression is mood reactivity. In other words, the person with atypical depression will see his or her mood improve if something positive happens. In melancholic depression, positive changes will seldom bring on a change in mood."

I copied that from an article on WebMD.

I have found that when my antidepressant stops working, my depression becomes atypical in the sense that I have the mood reactivity listed above.

My diagnosis is MDD (major depressive disorder), though. If I am not taking an antidepressant, my mood will become unresponsive to positive changes.

I just read another article that lists a whole list of other symptoms that it says are common with atypical depression. I have never felt that I understood clearly what atypical depression was, and this is why. The sources I see conflict. Very confusing!

[Walk_Away]

That description really strikes a chord.
I guess it's a case of with atypical depression you have more of a normal mood range but have a resting point which is lower than that of others?

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by jo_thorne

What symptoms in particular do you think mark your depression as atypical? Is it this one?

"The main characteristic of atypical depression that distinguishes it from melancholic depression is mood reactivity. In other words, the person with atypical depression will see his or her mood improve if something positive happens. In melancholic depression, positive changes will seldom bring on a change in mood."

I copied that from an article on WebMD.

I have found that when my antidepressant stops working, my depression becomes atypical in the sense that I have the mood reactivity listed above.

My diagnosis is MDD (major depressive disorder), though. If I am not taking an antidepressant, my mood will become unresponsive to positive changes.

I just read another article that lists a whole list of other symptoms that it says are common with atypical depression. I have never felt that I understood clearly what atypical depression was, and this is why. The sources I see conflict. Very confusing!

Thanks for the links. I did look up on WedMD, which is what made me realize I have it. I always find my mood improve if I find something happy happening like me going to a ComicCon (nerd here). I always find my mood change if something happy happens but I have a depressed mood under that. Also, I have excessive sleepiness (if I am allowed to sleep in), increase appetite and weight gain, and a more intense reaction or increased sensitively to rejection. You only need 4 out of 2 and I have three. I don't really feel paralyzed so. I also have some of the other symptoms described in the second link. I'm not really understanding the difference between bipolar I or II.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by Walk_Away

That description really strikes a chord.
I guess it's a case of with atypical depression you have more of a normal mood range but have a resting point which is lower than that of others?

I guess, ya. I mean, I feel depressed a lot of the time, but if something I really love happens, then I am really happy.

[Fuzzybear]

[lonely-and-sad]

I have got melancholic depression myself. Its good I think this got raised. My guess is that the majority here have the melancholic type and that their depression is pretty chronic. It used to be that family and friends would try to cheer me up by taking me out or bringing me a present. Most times i was in such a bad way i just became cranky and did not appreciate the support they were giving me. I know now I couldn't help my reaction - not when it is severe. There was a lot of guilt then associated with my behaviour for some years later. Some years later again as I learned more about depression I knew that for me nothing can cheer me up in severe depression. And it is hard work when it is moderate. Inspirational youtube clips or speeches or great deeds or bravery or great triumphs, increased decision making and goal setting, even winning lotto CANNOT get me out of that state. Medications get me out of depression and I am immensely grateful that at least they work. Once out Cognitive Behaviour Therapy plus much of the following help : social activities, exercise, good diet, supplements such as fish oil, meditation and mindfulness, educational activities, helping others wherever it is beneficial to do so etc etc It is something others just have to learn if they ever hope to UNDERSTAND WHAT DEPRESSION ACTUALLY IS

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[Nike007]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

I have got melancholic depression myself. Its good I think this got raised. My guess is that the majority here have the melancholic type and that their depression is pretty chronic. It used to be that family and friends would try to cheer me up by taking me out or bringing me a present. Most times i was in such a bad way i just became cranky and did not appreciate the support they were giving me. I know now I couldn't help my reaction - not when it is severe. There was a lot of guilt then associated with my behaviour for some years later. Some years later again as I learned more about depression I knew that for me nothing can cheer me up in severe depression. And it is hard work when it is moderate. Inspirational youtube clips or speeches or great deeds or bravery or great triumphs, increased decision making and goal setting, even winning lotto CANNOT get me out of that state. Medications get me out of depression and I am immensely grateful that at least they work. Once out Cognitive Behaviour Therapy plus much of the following help : social activities, exercise, good diet, supplements such as fish oil, meditation and mindfulness, educational activities, helping others wherever it is beneficial to do so etc etc It is something others just have to learn if they ever hope to UNDERSTAND WHAT DEPRESSION ACTUALLY IS

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Thanks for the comment. I just don't really know the difference between atypical depression and bipolar II more than bipolar I. It's confusing.

I thought most people here would have melancholic depression, but I wanted to bring up atypical depression because I find I am depressed a lot of the time, but if something good is happening soon, I can be really happy/hyper.

Sorry you have been going through so much . If you need to talk, I'm always here .

[lonely-and-sad]

Thankyou that is very kind. Most of us fit into a category somewhere that those that expertise in mental disorders have set out. We all share some symptoms. I am keen on hearing what others say on your question as well. My apologies for taking it off track I was venting some frustration at a few people that can't understand. Anyway I am improving now. I can only tell you what I think. The manic episodes distinguish the bipolar types. If you don't fit into the bipolar types then it looks like atypical. I think its good to know where you are but someone needs to assess you. Maybe see someone?

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[Nike007]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

Thankyou that is very kind. Most of us fit into a category somewhere that those that expertise in mental disorders have set out. We all share some symptoms. I am keen on hearing what others say on your question as well. My apologies for taking it off track I was venting some frustration at a few people that can't understand. Anyway I am improving now. I can only tell you what I think. The manic episodes distinguish the bipolar types. If you don't fit into the bipolar types then it looks like atypical. I think its good to know where you are but someone needs to assess you. Maybe see someone?

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You're welcome. And it's fine to vent. I need to also sometimes. Life can be difficult.

Anyways, maybe i should mention it. I wasn't planning to until I was older so my parents don't get mad or act even weirder around me so. It's nothing too concerning yet anyways.

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