Situational depression is a short-term, stress-related type of depression. It can develop after you experience an event that is traumatic or even a series of events. Situational depression is a type of adjustment disorder. It may make it hard for you to adjust your life following an event. This is known as reactive depression. Find out what events can cause situational depression and how to heal.
Causes of Situational Depression
There are many reasons why people struggle with situational depression. The following are circumstances which may cause situational depression:
- Problems at work or school
- Illness
- Death of a loved one
- Moving
- Relationship issues
Symptoms
Some of the following symptoms of situational depression vary from person to person. Situational depression can magnify the intensity of stressful life events. This stress may cause severe disruption to daily life, including the following:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Lack of enjoyment in daily life
- Regular crying
- Constant, ever-present worry, anxiety, or stress
- Sleeping difficulties
- Disinterest in food
- Trouble focusing
- Trouble with daily activities
- Avoiding social situations
- Not practicing self-care
Previous Trauma and Situational Depression
Previous life experiences impact the way you deal with stress. You are at higher risk of situational depression if you have:
- Experienced stress in childhood
- Have existing mental health challenges
- Several difficult life circumstances occur
- Abnormalities in the brain
- Hormonal issues
- Genetic changes
- Family members with depression
Treatment Options
A doctor may be able to diagnose situational depression but it may also mirror other types of depression. Treatment can help you better cope with stressful events. Medications may be prescribed to help with dopamine production. Supportive therapy is also a preferred method for this type of depression as it can help enhance coping mechanisms and resilience. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful (CBT). It also helps to exercise, meditate, relax, rest, and eat healthy food (stay away from sugars and processed foods). If you are struggling, treatment for addiction can be helpful if there are co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders going on.
Offering a full continuum of care for both men and women, A Step In The Right Direction strives to provide quality, life-changing care. Teaching clients to walk the road of recovery in daily life sober living, our program utilizes evidence-based therapies and the real life experience of recovery in our staff to provide a transformational expeirence. For more information on our programs of care and sober livings for men and women, call (877) 377-3702