Situational Depression Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Situational Depression Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Depression Types Print An Overview of Situational Depression By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on September 02, 2019 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Photographer is my life/Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All Situational depression involves symptoms of depression that are related to stress. It is not a recognized clinical disorder but is an informal term used to describe what may be more formally diagnosed as a type of adjustment disorder. These feelings of depression are usually triggered by a traumatic event, sudden stress, or major life change. Triggers can include such things as a serious accident, divorce, job loss, or death of a loved one. Situational depression may be diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood. While this condition is characterized by mood-related symptoms, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes adjustment disorder as a type of trauma or stressor-related disorder. Symptoms Symptoms of situational depression include: Feelings of low mood and sadnessTearfulness; frequent bouts of cryingHopelessnessPoor concentrationLack of motivationLoss of pleasureWithdrawing from normal activitiesLoneliness or social isolationThoughts of suicide After a difficult life event, whether it is a change in a relationship, the loss of your job, or the death of a loved one, the stress of the situation can cause you to feel sad, helpless, apathetic, lost, irritable, or even hopeless. You might cry frequently, feel listless and unable to focus, or find yourself unable to cope with normal, day-to-day tasks. Things you are normally able to handle seem overwhelming or impossible. Situational depression typically begins within the 90 day period following the stressful event. In most cases, situational depression tends to be short in duration, usually receding by six months after the triggering event. While symptoms usually recede within six months, they may range in severity from milder cases to more severe. Causes Situational depression begins after some sort of major life change or trauma. Some of the events that may trigger the onset of this form of depression include: Death of a loved oneDivorceRelationship problemsRelocatingJob lossFinancial problems  IllnessUnstable employmentUnstable living situationRetirementSerious accidentsNatural disastersSocial issues at home, school, or work There are certain factors that may increase the risk of situational depression. These include: Having an existing mental health conditionPast childhood stress and traumaExperiencing multiple traumas or stressors at the same timeA family history of depression Situational depression differs from major depressive disorder (MDD) in a few important ways. Where situational depression is triggered by life stressors, MDD often has a range of causes. Situational depression is also shorter in duration, where MDD can be much longer-lasting. If an individual has symptoms that meet full criteria for major depression in response to a stressor, they will not be considered to have situational depression or adjustment disorder, but will be diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Common Causes of Depression Diagnosis In order to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood, these symptoms must also cause marked distress and significant impairment in important areas of life functioning. While situational depression tends to be less severe and not as pervasive as major depressive disorder, this does not make the condition any less real. Situational depression challenges well-being and can make functioning in daily life difficult. Treatment Talking to your doctor can help determine whether you have situational depression. Fortunately, effective treatments can help you manage your symptoms. These often involve treating the symptoms as well as addressing the stressor that triggered these feelings. Once the stressor has been dealt with, people will begin to adjust and cope as symptoms subside. Situational depression can be a common and natural reaction to a very stressful or traumatic event. The symptoms are usually short-term and start to improve as: Time passesThe individual recoversThe situation improves Mild cases of situational depression can often be handled through self-care and coping strategies. More serious cases may require professional treatment and support. Treatments for situational depression may include individual counseling, group support, and medications to address serious symptoms of depression. In some cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medications may be used to treat situational depression. Psychotherapy approaches may include the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an effective treatment for depression. CBT helps replace negative thinking patterns with more adaptive ones. It also helps people develop better resilience to stress and improves coping skills, making it helpful for preventing future relapses of depressive symptoms. Medications to treat situational depression may include antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. The 7 Best Online Help Resources for Depression in 2020 Coping There are a number of lifestyle changes that may help you cope with situational depression: Eating a healthy, well-balanced dietSticking to regular routinesEngaging in regular exerciseJoining a support group either in your community or onlineStarting a new hobby or recreational activityTalking to friends and family Sometimes situational depression resolves on its own as time passes. People who have good coping skills and resilience may be more likely to recover on their own with adequate self-care and social support. One coping strategy that can be helpful is to put energy toward solving a problem. No matter what sort of stress you are dealing with, looking for things that you can do to improve the situation can help keep you focused on the future. Analyze the situation, consider solutions that might help make things better, and then work toward achieving those goals. This approach also keeps you focused on the aspects of the situation that you can control, rather than dwelling on the things that are out of your hands. If you are having problems dealing with a traumatic event and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, consider talking to your doctor or a therapist. How to Become More Resilient A Word From Verywell Situational depression can be difficult, but it is important to remember that the things you are feeling are temporary. Good coping mechanisms and the support of your loved ones can often relieve symptoms and help you deal with stressful events. As you recover and the situation gets better, you will likely find that your mood improves over time. If your symptoms seem to be getting worse, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.