What is Situational Depression?

adminDepression

Situational depression is just like what it sounds like, a depressed mood brought about by a situation or circumstance. Situational depression is not really a true depression, but rather an adjustment disorder. However, situation depression can lead to major depression if severe and left untreated.

Situational depression can happen to anyone and does in up 10% of adults and and 30% of adolescents. People can develop situational depression for many reason, but the following are the most common:

  • Loss of a loved one due to death, divorced
  • Loss of a job
  • Traumatic events such as being a victim of a crime, natural disaster, accident or other incident out of the individual’s control
  • Serious illness

Those who suffer from situational depression usually experience a depressed mood due to an abrupt or unexpected change. Feelings of hopelessness, moodiness and sadness are quite common. Other symptoms include sleeplessness, headache, stomachache, anxiety, nervousness, change in sleep habits, missing work, school and social engagements, isolation, anger, abuse of drugs, alcohol or food.

Those who suffer from situational depression will often feel better within 6 months of the stressful event. Intervention is not always necessary, but can certainly be helpful.

We all face challenges in our lives. From the end of a marriage to the death of a spouse – there are times when we have a more difficult time adjusting to our new circumstances. In situations where circumstances are not likely to change (divorce, death) it’s important to understand that feelings of loss, grief, sadness etc… are normal and to be expected. However, some of us can get mired down in these sad feelings and may have a more difficult time than others of feeling ourselves again. Counseling can provide valuable tools for coping with the curveballs that life can throw. Situational depression can and usually does resolve on its own, but therapy can be extremely helpful. If you suffer from situational depression and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, please consider the help of a qualified therapist.