I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

for sleep, increased libido, spending spree, a lot of plans and
activities). Treatment will include antipsychotic (e.g. risperidone)
and mood stabilizer (e.g. lithium or epilim).
• Post-partum Depression: This is a form of major
depression that occurs in 10-20% of mothers a few days or months
after childbirth. This should be taken seriously as there’s risk of
harming the baby. It’s different from postpartum blues, i.e. a
passing state of sadness which occurs in about half of mothers after
childbirth.
• Dysthymia: This term is used to refer to low mood which is
long-standing (more than 2 years), but low grade (depressive
symptoms are not as many and severe as in major depression).
Stressful events (e.g. unemployment) may trigger a major
depression in those with underlying dysthymia – this is also known
as ‘double depression.’ Treatment for dysthymia is more of
counseling and psychotherapy; antidepressants have only a minor
role.
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: In this kind
of depression, you feel hopeless and sadder than would be expected
after a stressful event. Many types of events can cause stress, such
143