Depression is one of the main reasons why people often seek psychological care. Most people have experienced it at some time in their lives, in some form.

However, in this case, we’re going to talk to you about atypical depression which, despite its name, is not at all unusual, you may even have experienced it in the first person at some point.

How to detect the symptoms of this disorder?

What is atypical depression?

Within depressive disorders, several types can be found, this is one of them. What differentiates atypical depression from the rest are its symptoms; therefore, the response to treatment also varies, which makes it necessary for its cure to have a personal and psychological follow-up that probably has to be accompanied by the appropriate medication, obviously prescribed by a professional.

To be able to detect this type of depression, as well as any other, it is basic to know the symptoms and signs that may be present. Therefore, we explain the most relevant and representative ones.

How do I know if I have atypical depression?

The indications can be very varied , taking into account, moreover, the infrequency with which this problem is diagnosed, despite the fact that it is present in the field of psychology. Here are some of the main signs that may help in the diagnosis of atypical depression.

1. Hypersensitivity

We tend to exaggerate situations , making any unimportant day-to-day setbacks into a day or even a catastrophic existence. A comment or a dubious response from another person can be a world of its own, being interpreted as an offense or a mockery.

This is due to a lack of self-confidence, and that is why anyone suffering from atypical depression understands everything as a direct attack .

2. Hypersomnia

If we suffer from an atypical depression we may feel an urgent need to sleep not only at night, but all day long. This is what is known as hypersomnia.

3. Extreme tiredness

It is frequent that a feeling of tiredness takes hold of us feeding back the disease . This is when this situation can negatively affect your psychosocial and work relationships. It is right at this point that you have to be careful: isolation begins.

4. Increased appetite

This effect is completely opposite to common depressions, since, in this case, we do not stop having an appetite, but, we are likely to binge and make continuous visits to the kitchen.

5. Anxiety

Anxiety states are more common in other types of psychological disorders than in depressions, yet it is a noticeable symptom . It is very common for you to be overly concerned about the opinion of others or to feel distressed by being aware of the situation that is happening.

6. Interpersonal relationship problems

If you have atypical depression, you may have difficulty maintaining long-term relationships. One of the causes of this is hypersensitivity to rejection or criticism, which affects different aspects of your life such as work or relationships with other people.

7. Feeling of sadness

As in other types of depression, sadness is one of the characteristic symptoms . However, it differs from other depressive disorders because you can feel very good when you get good news. Sadness, however, eventually returns after a short time.

However, you need to know that although sadness and depression overlap in part, they are not the same: “The 6 differences between sadness and depression”.

8. State of resentment

The hypersensitivity and low self-esteem that people with atypical depression present causes a great deal of resentment towards others or towards the world.

Why does it happen to me?

There is no specific cause or specific trigger that triggers this disease. As in most psychological disorders, whatever may have triggered this situation may have come from both genetic and cultural elements or even learning from interaction.

How we process problems, whatever they may be, or how we view and live with them, can and does influence how that affects us.

Are there treatments to get out of it?

It goes without saying that psychological care is one of the main weapons against atypical depression. Therefore, online psychological therapy is a good option. From TherapyChat they make available to you the services and knowledge of the best online psychologist, so that you can’t make any excuses when you ask for psychological attention.

In addition, they have an online therapy that will help you manage ideas and modify certain harmful behaviors that drag you into depression by making you go on a loop. In this way, you will be able to find the necessary support to achieve positive effects in your interaction with the environment.

Psychological drugs are also important when treating this type of depression: usually, you will be prescribed antidepressants, as the effects of this disease can be devastating because they can affect all areas of your life. Be sure that, with the right treatment, it will be easier to recover and return to your daily activities with complete normality.

Some tips

Logically, for recovery to become a reality, you will also have to do your part. Otherwise, professional support will be of little use. For the process to be successful, it is necessary to adhere strictly to the treatment , to pay attention to the characteristics of depression and the warning signs, to exercise as much as possible and to avoid alcohol and drugs at all costs.

Finally, to prevent this depressive state , keep in mind that it is very important to learn how to take measures to control stress, to lean on others and to act quickly at the first signs to prevent the disorder from getting worse.