Understanding Situational Depression and Stressors

Understanding Situational Depression and Stressors Depression Types Print Understanding Situational Depression By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 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 Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Altrendo Images / Getty Images Situational depression, also known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood, occurs when a person develops certain emotional symptoms that are more exaggerated than normal in response to a stressful life situation within three months of the situation occurring.?? Situational Depression vs. Major Depression If you have situational depression, you will experience many of the same symptoms as someone with major depressive disorder, such as a depressed mood, feeling hopeless, and crying. The difference lies in the fact that your depressive symptoms are clearly in response to an identifiable stressor, do not meet the full criteria for a major depressive episode, and will be resolved when either the stressor no longer exists or you are able to adapt to the situation.?? Stressors Stressors can be many things. They might be a single event like a natural disaster or divorce or an ongoing problem such as a chronic illness or marital strife. They can even be something that might be perceived as being a positive event like marriage, a new baby, or starting a different job. However, if the stress associated with an event exceeds a persons ability to cope, it can lead to a temporary state of depression. Symptoms While situational depression tends to be less severe and not as pervasive as major depressive disorder, the condition is not any less real. Situational depression challenges well-being and can make functioning in daily life difficult. Situational depression can happen to anyone at any time in their lives. Men and women are affected equally. It usually does not last for more than six months. Symptoms of situational depression include:?? Feelings of low mood and sadnessFrequent bouts of cryingHopelessnessPoor concentrationLack of motivationLoss of pleasureWithdrawing from normal activitiesLoneliness  or social isolationThoughts of suicide Symptoms of major depression, on the other hand, include:?? Depressed moodLack of interest in activities normally enjoyedChanges in weightChanges in sleepFatigueFeelings of worthlessness and guiltDifficulty concentratingThoughts of death and suicide Situational Depression Needs Intervention, Too Situational depression is related to your circumstances, but this does not mean that you should just blow it off or wait for things to get better. No matter what the cause, depression can increase your  risk for suicide?? and substance use. It can also complicate the treatment of other medical conditions by making you less inclined to take care of yourself and follow your treatment plan. In addition, there is a risk that situational depression may progress into becoming a major depressive disorder.?? If your depressed mood is causing you significant distress or interfering with your daily functioning, it is a very good idea to visit with a mental health professional for assistance. Diagnosis A proper diagnosis is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Telling your doctor that you believe that you might be suffering from depression will ensure you get you the help that you need. Unfortunately, there isnt currently a definitive lab test to diagnose situational depression. Instead, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam, run several different  blood tests  to rule out any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, and ask you some questions to determine whether you have any possible risk factors and to better understand your symptoms. According to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with situational depression, you must:?? Begin experiencing symptoms within three months of the stressful event or series of eventsHave symptoms that cause marked distress and significantly interfere with daily lifeHave symptoms that are not the result of another condition or related to substance or alcohol useHave symptoms that are not a normal part of the grieving process after the death of a loved one Treatment If you experience symptoms of situational depression, there are a number of different treatment options, including therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Therapy Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the preferred treatment for situational depression.?? Often, it will take the form of seeking solutions for your problems or guiding you in learning new coping skills. Therapy might also be aimed at helping you to better understand various issues in your life that are contributing to your distress. Family or couples therapy may be most appropriate in situations where problems in interpersonal relationships are contributing to your feelings of stress. Support groups can also be quite helpful to those experiencing situational depression.??  For example, a person who is struggling to cope with a chronic illness might find a degree of understanding and support from other people who are dealing with the same illness that they cant find elsewhere. The Best Online Help Resources for Depression Medications Medications may not be the first line of treatment for situational depression since you can often be better served by dealing with the underlying causes of the stress in your life. For some people, they do help and may include selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?? like Celexa (citalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) or dopamine reuptake blockers such as Wellbutrin (bupropion).   Lifestyle Changes In addition to medication and therapy, there are a few healthy lifestyle changes that can help you or someone you love more resilient  to stressful events, including:?? Eating a well-rounded dietExercising regularlyPracticing good sleep habitsManaging stressMaking time for relaxationJournaling or writing about how youre feelingSpending time with trusted family and friends Social Support Is Imperative for Health and Well-Being Coping Everyone feels sad or even depressed for a few days after a traumatic or stressful life event, but if these feelings persist, you likely need help. Situational depression is very treatable, and with the right care plan, you can learn strategies to better cope with stressors and manage any symptoms of depression that interfere with feeling your best and living a hopeful, happy life.