I've had a major episode with my depression for about a year to a year and a half. Looking back, I've had issues with depression since around age 4 when my grandma died. Recently I learned about double depression and how its essentially a ramped up version of depression where hopelessness is often a key distinguishing symptom. On one hand, I've had issues with depression (especially on and off suicidal thoughts) since I was young, and I've been on a steady decline the last few years (since about sophomore year of college). On the other, my issues with depression have never been anywhere as bad as they have been within the last year or so (now they fit the more stereotypical expression of major depression: insomnia, some anhedonia, hopelessness, difficulty with energy/motivation, etc.). Do I have double depression?
Note: I'm going to ask my doctor about this Thursday, but I wanted an outside perspective before I go.