It’s completely natural to feel sad or unmotivated sometimes. However, when those feelings linger, deepen, or begin to change how you see the world, they may be signs of depression.
In Seattle, the long rainy seasons and limited sunlight can certainly affect your mood, making it difficult to distinguish between a temporary dip in motivation and something more serious.
Depression is not one single experience. It can appear in different ways, with some forms being brief and intense while others are quieter and last for years. Recognizing these differences is the first step toward finding effective support.
At LightHeart Mental Health, our therapists and psychiatric providers specialize in identifying and treating all types of depressive disorders, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Through personalized therapy, medication management, and advanced treatments such as Spravato® and NeuroStar® TMS, we help clients build resilience, regain balance, and move toward lasting recovery.
Types of depression explained
Depression can take many forms, each affecting mood, motivation, and daily life in different ways. Understanding these distinctions can help you and your provider identify the appropriate treatment and improve long-term outcomes.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. It involves intense and persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
To be diagnosed, symptoms must last at least two weeks and cause noticeable changes in daily functioning. People living with MDD often describe feeling hopeless or empty, and tasks that once felt simple, like getting out of bed or going to work, can become overwhelming.
Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include:
- Persistent sadness or a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Appetite or weight changes
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Because MDD can significantly interfere with daily life, early intervention is key. Treatment may include medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), therapy, or a combination of both.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder, previously called dysthymic disorder, is a chronic form of depression lasting at least two years. While its symptoms are typically less severe than those of MDD, they are longer-lasting and can still have a significant impact on quality of life.
People with PDD may appear to function “normally” but often struggle with low energy, poor self-esteem, and a general sense of sadness that never seems to lift. Because it develops gradually, it can sometimes go undiagnosed for years.
Unlike major depression, which tends to occur in episodes, persistent depression is continuous. This makes finding motivation challenging and can affect relationships, work, and self-confidence. Many clients describe feeling as though they’ve “always been this way.”
Treatment for PDD often combines therapy and antidepressant medication, and approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help clients challenge negative thinking patterns and build practical coping strategies.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It most often appears during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. SAD can be especially prevalent in a city like Seattle, where overcast skies are common.
People with seasonal depression often notice symptoms such as:
- Increased sleep and fatigue
- Changes in appetite, particularly cravings for carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- A general decline in mood and energy
Researchers believe SAD is linked to disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm and reduced exposure to sunlight, which can lower serotonin levels and affect vitamin D production.1
Treatment options may include light therapy, which uses a special lamp that mimics natural sunlight to help regulate mood and sleep cycles. For some, antidepressant medication or therapy may also be recommended.
Other subtypes of depression
While major, persistent, and seasonal depression are among the most recognized forms, several other subtypes are important to understand:
- Postpartum depression: Occurs after childbirth and includes intense sadness, fatigue, and anxiety that interfere with bonding and daily functioning.
- Atypical depression: Involves mood reactivity (feeling better after positive events), increased appetite, and hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
- Treatment-resistant depression: Describes depression that doesn’t improve after trying at least two antidepressants. In such cases, interventional treatments like Spravato® or TMS at LightHeart Mental Health may be beneficial.
Identifying the type of mood disorder you’re experiencing helps your care team create a more effective treatment plan.
How each type affects treatment choices
Every type of depression responds differently to therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Recognizing these nuances helps clients receive care that meets their specific needs.
Therapy modalities at LightHeart Mental Health
Our therapists tailor treatment approaches to each individual and their diagnosis. Evidence-based therapies like CBT, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) address thinking, behavior, and emotional regulation patterns.
For example:
- Clients with major depression may benefit from behavioral activation, which focuses on rebuilding routines and re-engaging in meaningful activities.
- Those with persistent depression might work on developing self-compassion and long-term coping skills.
- Clients with SAD often explore ways to manage seasonal triggers and maintain structure during darker months.
Medication and combination treatments
Antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can play a critical role in managing depressive disorders. For severe or treatment-resistant depression, combining medication with therapy often leads to better results.
At LightHeart Mental Health, psychiatric providers carefully assess each client’s history, current symptoms, and past medication response before recommending any prescription. When traditional medications aren’t effective, options like Spravato® or NeuroStar TMS may be added to support recovery.
Lifestyle factors influencing treatment
Lifestyle choices can have a profound effect on mood and treatment success. Our providers emphasize the importance of:
- Regular exercise to improve energy and reduce anxiety
- Consistent sleep schedules for mood regulation
- Balanced nutrition for brain health
- Light therapy for those affected by seasonal affective disorder
- Mindfulness and stress management to support long-term stability
Signs that suggest one type vs. another
Understanding the pattern, duration, and intensity of symptoms can help distinguish between different affective disorders.
Symptom duration and timing
- Major depression tends to occur in distinct episodes lasting weeks or months
- Persistent depressive disorder lasts two years or longer
- Seasonal depression appears and fades with changes in daylight exposure
Severity and functional impact
The intensity of symptoms varies by type. People with MDD often experience severe impairment, while those with PDD may function outwardly but struggle internally.
Sleep, appetite, and mood patterns
Changes in sleep and appetite can offer diagnostic clues. For instance, individuals with SAD often sleep more and crave carbohydrates, while those with MDD may experience appetite loss and insomnia.
Patient history and treatment response
A person’s medical and family history and response to previous treatments help providers identify the correct diagnosis and next steps for care.
What to expect in treatment at LightHeart Mental Health
Intake and assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and how depression affects your life.
Personalized care plan
Our team creates an individualized plan that may include therapy, psychiatric care, and, if appropriate, interventional options such as TMS therapy or Spravato®. These options are considered for those who haven’t found relief from traditional depression treatments, offering a path forward when other methods haven’t been effective.
Monitoring progress
Providers use standardized tools and regular check-ins to track progress and adjust care when needed.
Treatment adjustments
If symptoms persist, your care team may modify your medication, recommend a different therapy approach, or explore alternative options such as light therapy or TMS.
When to seek help and how to get started
If your depressed mood is affecting your work, relationships, or overall quality of life, it’s important to reach out for support. Seeking help early can prevent symptoms from worsening and make recovery more achievable.
At LightHeart Mental Health, we understand that taking the first step can be difficult. To make care accessible, our team offers both in-person and telehealth appointments across the Seattle area and accepts most insurance plans. Your well-being matters. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, give us a call 425.800.5688 to speak with our compassionate team and schedule an appointment.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
LightHeart Mental Health is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out for immediate support by contacting your local emergency services, visiting your local emergency room, or calling/texting the National Crisis Hotline at 988.
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