People throw around the idea of depression all the time. "I'm depressed" or "How depressing." Many use the word depression to describe a feeling of sadness, but in fact there are clinical definitions and distinctions between the several different types of depression.
Each form of depression has its own risk factors, symptoms and complications, and its own causes or triggers. Each of the kinds of depression - which can include major depression (also known as clinical depression), minor depression (also known as dysthymia), bipolar depression, and seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) - also has its own time frame for how often and for how long its symptoms last.
While most of the types of depression can affect anyone at any age, one kind of depression affects a very specific population. Postpartum depression arises in some women after they've given birth. The exact cause is not known, but there are theories and certain risk factors for postpartum depression that have been noted. If you suspect that you or someone close to you might be experiencing this form of depression, take a quiz to consider the symptoms.