what is the diffrence

[krystalm]

between major and chronic depression? or can you have both?

i've been recieving treatment for chronic depression for a couple years now, but recently i have been having like,an intense depression that lasts for a week or two. before it would be on going and not as intense, like i can't explain it, like i could laugh once in a while, i didn't really see friends, but atleast i'd shower and get out of bed, and even though i coudln't shake it it still wasn't so intense, and i was suicidal but it once again, i just knew i wouldn't.. but lately it got really intense and i'll be okay for a while, a little sad, but that's due to the chronic that i need a higher dose for, and then i'll stay in bed, not eat, sleep the day away, hang comforters over my windows because my curtains are sheer almost, i don't do anything but lay in bed crying. people come in and talk to me and i just push them away, everything just seems so dreary.

i'm not seeing my therapist for a week, but i was just wondering.

[Rutherford The Brave]

Major is not re-occuring, it usaully just happens making someone feel depressed for a short amount of time. Chronic is when someone is always depressed and basically cannot stop being depressed.

[Hyper]

I'll put it in simple words..

Chronic Depression ( I am hoping that also means clinical xD ) basically means your depression is also chemical.. And will never go away without meds.

Major depression is basically like you just don't want to get out of bed and you sleep for days.

[byee]

Technically, I think the term "Chronic" means the length of time you've had the symptoms (I think it's 3 months), and "Major" refers to the severity or intensity of the symtoms, how much they interfere with normal functioning.

I think you're probably splitting hairs here in your case, based on what you've already described, whatever you call your depression, it's both severe and chronic. So, there a times when it feels worse and more intense, other times it's more manageable. With time and treatment, the periods when it's worse diminish, and the times it's more manageable increase.