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Normal Depressed mood
This is what most people feel time to time. It is a natural reaction to life stressors such as changes in work, relationships, etc. Person recovers after a short period of time.
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Major Depression
Begins similar to a normal depressed mood, but major depression is when it begins to interfere with normal functioning and can continue for months or even years.
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Dysthymia
This is a chronic state of mild depression that causes people to feel down most of the time.
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Bipolar or manic depressive disorder
This involves alternating episodes of major depression and mania (elevated mood).
