Major Depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Major Depression is marked by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy activities which were once pleasurable. A disabling episode of depression of this type may occur only once in a lifetime, but more commonly returns several times. Dysthymia, a less severe type of depression, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable the sufferer, but keep one from functioning properly and feeling good. Another type of depression, bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive illness), is not nearly as common as the other forms of depression. It is characterized by severe cycling mood swings: severe highs (mania) and depth-plunging lows (depression). When you're manic: you feel high as a kite...you're on top of the world; thoughts go racing through your head; you're a non-stop party; you do wild and risky things (with driving, money, sex, drugs, etc); you are so up you don't even need sleep. However, this mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state and could become a life-threatening illness. When you're depressed: you cry a lot and it doesn't go away; you feel guilty for no reason; life seems meaningless and empty; it's hard to make up your mind; you feel worthless; you forget lots of things and it's hard to concentrate; you feel restless and tired most of the time; you think about death or feel like you're dying. Not everyone who is depressed experiences every one of these symptoms. And