Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is a stress-related condition where an individual experiences depressive symptoms in response to a significant life change or stressful event, such as a divorce, job loss, or relocation. The emotional response includes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, tearfulness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

These symptoms are typically out of proportion to the stressor and are directly tied to the specific event or change. While the condition is usually short-term, resolving as the person adapts to the new situation, it can evolve into more serious mental health issues if not addressed. Treatment often involves therapy, stress management strategies, and sometimes medication to help the individual cope more effectively.

Postpartum Depression is a severe form of depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting a mother’s ability to care for herself and her newborn. Unlike the mild "baby blues" that many new mothers experience, postpartum depression can cause intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that last for weeks or months. Symptoms may include difficulty bonding with the baby, overwhelming guilt, and even thoughts of harming oneself or the child.

This condition can have significant impacts on both the mother's and the child’s well-being. Treatment usually involves a combination of counselling, support groups, and medication, making it essential for new mothers to seek help if they experience these symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression characterized by a consistently low mood lasting for at least two years. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, the symptoms of PDD are less intense but more enduring, leading to ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

The persistent nature of this disorder can cause significant impairment in daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. Individuals with PDD often struggle to remember a time when they felt genuinely happy or optimistic, and the long-term emotional strain can make it difficult to recognize the condition, often delaying treatment.

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, overly energetic, or irritable, often engaging in risky behaviours or making impulsive decisions. These periods are contrasted by depressive episodes, where individuals experience profound sadness, fatigue, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

The alternating nature of these mood states can significantly disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Managing Bipolar Disorder typically requires a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications to stabilize mood and maintain a balanced life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Individuals with SAD may experience symptoms like low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and persistent sadness. The lack of sunlight is believed to disrupt the body’s internal clock and affect serotonin and melatonin levels, which regulate mood and sleep patterns.

These disruptions can lead to depressive symptoms that can be severe and debilitating. Treatment often involves light therapy, psychotherapy, and in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms and improve mood during the darker months.