Conditions

What is situational depression? Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Situational depression, often triggered by a specific event or stressor, is a type of depression that differs from more chronic forms like major depressive disorder. Although temporary, situational depression can profoundly impact one’s daily life. Recognizing the symptoms and causes is crucial for timely intervention and recovery.

Taylor Stranaghan By Taylor Stranaghan
depressed woman

Updated on Oct 22, 2024

While there are several different types of depression that can impact us in different ways, situational depression is a type of depression that is unique because it can be tied to a specific trigger. In contrast to the more commonly known major depressive disorder (MDD) which may not have a clear trigger, situational depression is distinguished by its direct link to an event or stressor.

This article will explore the importance of recognizing and understanding situational depression. Doing so allows for appropriate and timely intervention and facilitates effective treatment and recovery, ultimately supporting those experiencing it on their journey toward well-being.

Understanding situational depression

Situational depression is a relatively common form of depression that is recognized as a type of ‘adjustment disorder’ with a depressed mood. In other words, it is something that arises when a life event or major stressor impacts our internal state, causing a cascade of depressive symptoms.

Compared to clinical depression or major depression, situational depression is a short-term type of depression that may be linked to a tangible source, like the death of a loved one.

Though not as chronic as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) which arises as a milder yet unrelenting form of depression, situational depression can still be deeply distressing and significantly impact one’s daily life.

Symptoms of situational depression

Not many people realize that they may be struggling with depression due to the preconceived notion that depressive symptoms must be all-encompassing, unwavering, and chronic in nature.

Even the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) characterizes depression as a type of mood disorder that causes “persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.”

Since situational depression is linked to a specific trigger, its symptoms vary in duration and intensity.

Common symptoms of situational depression include:

Recognizing these common signs and symptoms can lead to a more focused treatment plan and timely intervention, potentially helping to prevent the condition from worsening down the road.

Causes of situational depression

Situational depression can arise for several reasons.

Some common triggers for one to develop situational depression include:

Of course, reasons for one to develop situational depression are less about the type of trigger and more about one’s response to such a trigger. This is where our risk is considered.

Risk factors for situational depression

There are a number of major, drastic, or life-altering events that are capable of disrupting our emotional capacity to tolerate such stressors, causing depressive symptoms to take hold of us.

However, what puts us at greater risk for developing situational depression include:

Much like other forms of depression, recovery is possible.

Diagnosis of situational depression

In the efforts to get a proper diagnosis of situational depression, mental health professionals rely on certain criteria and assessment tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The DSM-5 criteria for a formal diagnosis of situational depression include:

Another aspect to consider with situational depression is that it is natural for a stressful life event to take an intense emotional toll on our mind and body. For example, grieving the loss of a loved one is a profoundly distressing experience that can lead to feelings of sadness, emptiness, and emotional overwhelm – which may be easily misinterpreted as situational depression.

Taking into consideration the symptoms and their relation to a stressful life event, a mental health professional can then begin a comprehensive assessment of situational depression.

Assessments methods

Formal measurement tools, such as clinical interviews, questionnaires, and scales, are all helpful in diagnosing situational depression.

Clinical interviews provide a background of history, including life events, stressors, and emotional responses to provide context for symptoms. These may include:

Questionnaires and scales help quantify the severity and nature of depressive symptoms, helping to gauge the extent of the individual’s distress and track changes over time. Common tools include:

Assessment tools are fundamental to mental health practitioners as they provide a better picture of an individual’s symptoms, allowing for more informed and effective treatment strategies.

Treatment options for situational depression

Three common avenues that are recommended to treat situational depression include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications, and lifestyle changes.

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as ‘talk therapy,’ is one of the most highly recommended strategies for treating situational depression. It is used to help individuals explore their emotions, identify certain triggers or stressors, and develop personalized coping strategies to foster personal growth, emotional resilience, and healing.

We will take a closer look at the top modalities that have been proven effective for treating situational depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular approach for the treatment of depression. It involves utilizing various techniques such as cognitive restructuring to change negative thought patterns and behaviors and achieve a healthier, more adaptive mindset.

For the purpose of managing negative thoughts associated with the triggers that lead to situational depression, CBT therapists might use exposure techniques to help individuals gradually face and confront their stressors in a controlled manner. This approach may be effective in reducing the emotional impact of certain triggers.

Behavioral activation (BA) is another CBT-based technique that helps individuals increase engagement in pleasurable activities. A 2021 study found that BA contributes to improving mood while also reducing symptoms of depression in individuals.

Interpersonal therapy

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another beneficial therapeutic approach to managing symptoms of situational depression. As the name describes, IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing social functioning issues at their core.

IPT helps individuals with situational depression:

This 2020 study recommends the use of IPT in an integrated manner, meaning that it should be combined with other therapeutic approaches to address a wider range of psychological issues.

Mindfulness-based therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy is a useful approach for targeting depressive symptoms. It focuses on the cultivation of awareness and acceptance of the ‘here and now’ present moment.

Mindfulness helps individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without judgements, which helps release the intensity of negative feelings that may be linked with a triggering event.

Two common mindfulness-based interventions include:

  1. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): A group-based education approach that combines elements of mindfulness meditation and yoga to help enhance emotional regulation and reduce stress levels
  2. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): A therapeutic approach blending CBT techniques with mindfulness strategies to foster awareness of negative thought patterns, enhance emotional resilience, and prevent relapse of depressive symptoms

Each approach is grounded on the idea of encouraging a non-reactive stance to our internal experience, helping break the cycle of rumination and focusing on a more adaptive mindset to overcoming depression.

Some of the common techniques used in this form of therapy include mindful breathing, meditation, and body scanning.

2. Medication

Following your initial assessment, you may be prescribed by your primary physician, psychiatrist, or in some cases, clinical psychologist to take medication as a part of your treatment plan.

Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can play a role in balancing neurotransmitter levels in the brain to help with symptom reduction.

The use of prescription medication should be a collaborative decision, made under the professional guidance of a provider and taking into account the individual’s specific symptoms, treatment goals, and potential risks.

3. Lifestyle changes

Individuals struggling with situational depression may find significant relief from making certain lifestyle adjustments. Some beneficial changes include:

While there are a ton of ways to modify our lifestyle, remember to take it one step at a time. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when facing major life changes, so be kind to yourself. Focus on small acts of self-compassion, practice self-care, and be mindful about the progress you’ve made so far.

How therapy can help with situational depression

Therapy is essential for helping individuals navigate, cope with, and heal from situational depression more effectively.

There are different ways to undergo therapy. These include:

Therapy can help you tackle situational depression and also make you better equipped to support others with similar struggles by promoting a kinder, more informed approach to mental health.

Reaching out is easier than ever with Grow Therapy. Click here to find a therapist instantly and get connected within two days!

FAQs

  • Situational depression is a form of adjustment disorder with a depressed mood, which is triggered by a specific life event or stressor, like the sudden loss of a loved one. The symptoms are only temporary, unlike clinical depression or major depressive disorder, which is more persistent and occurs due to no clear external cause.

  • Situational stress is the type of stress one experiences in response to an event or situation, like losing a job or moving into retirement. This stress is short-term and resolves when we adapt and learn to cope with this new circumstance.

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) are two primary types of clinical depression. MDD is characterized by persistent and more severe symptoms of depression while PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic yet milder form of depression lasting at least two years.

  • Atypical depression involves having a sudden, temporary improvement in mood due to some positive event, like attending a wedding. On the other hand, clinical depression, or MDD, involves having a more constant and unrelenting depressed mood.

  • A common test mental health practitioners use to identify symptoms of situational depression is known as the Life Events Difficulties Schedule (LEDS), used to evaluate the impact of life stressors that may be associated with situational depression.

  • If your depressed mood has taken control over your safety, such as contributing to having persistent thoughts of death, we encourage you to contact a crisis lifeline in your area for immediate support. 9-8-8 Suicide Lifeline is one of many available 24/7.

About the author
Taylor Stranaghan Taylor Stranaghan

Taylor is a writer dedicated to exploring various layers of mental wellness, mindfulness, and personal growth. With a background in clinical research and pursuit of a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, she is passionate about crafting engaging content to empower and uplift individuals navigating their unique mental health journeys.

This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

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