What is situational depression?

Situational depression can occur after a difficult life event, which in many cases can stem from a highly stressful situation. It’s also known as adjustment disorder and can often lead to short-term symptoms.

Traumatic or challenging events can trigger situational depression, such as:

• a separation
• death
• illness
• built-up stress from work

The condition can lead to similar symptoms experienced by people with an anxiety disorder, such as sadness and difficulty focusing.

What can cause situational depression?

The causes of situational depression can often include difficult and traumatic life events, such as:

• death of a loved one
• relationship difficulties, such as a divorce and separation
• hardship at work or school
• a traumatic event, such as a car accident, an assault, or a robbery
• injury and illness

People with situational depression have difficulties adjusting to their circumstances and can develop depressive symptoms. This is why the condition is also known as adjustment disorder with depressed mood, which is one of the most often diagnosed mental health conditions, according to a 2017 study.

A 2014 study on animals and humans suggested that people who experience trauma early in life, such as childhood, are more likely to develop situational depression.  

How does it differ from other types of depression?

The main characteristic of situational depression is that it’s temporary and short-term, often triggered by a specific trauma, stress, or difficult life event. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), situational depression shares many symptoms with other types of depression, such as clinical depression. This includes symptoms such as:

• feeling sad or hopeless
• feeling anxious
• tiredness and fatigue (low energy)
• difficulty falling asleep
• lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• difficulty focusing
• frequent crying
• changes in appetite
• aches and pains

Depression affects around 1 in 5 adults in the United States. Symptoms of situational depression may start up to 3 months after experiencing the initial stressor. They can last 6 months after the event that triggered the episode has ended.

But if symptoms persist, people with situational depression can see their condition develop into a longer-term clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder. They may also develop suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.

Treatment for situational depression

Situational depression, when diagnosed correctly, doesn’t usually require medication, but learning how to manage the stressor or difficult life event through coping methods can help.

You can learn these coping methods through therapy, which is key in treating any type of depression. The types of therapy that can help with depressive symptoms include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• psychodynamic therapy
• systemic therapy

In some cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe medication to manage some of the depressive symptoms. These medications include:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac)
• serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) 
• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and desipramine (Norpramin)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine (Nardil)

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

What lifestyle measures can help with situational depression? 

Lifestyle measures that improve and promote overall good health can help reduce symptoms of situational depression. This includes:

• doing regular exercise, around 150 minutes a week
• eating a balanced diet
• stress management through practices such as yoga and meditation
• journaling
• getting quality sleep, at least 7 hours a day
• practicing breathing exercises

When should you speak with a doctor? 

If your symptoms last longer than 6 months after the stressor or life event has ended, consider talking with a healthcare or mental health professional. 

Depressive symptoms, whether they’re short or long-term, can be overwhelming. If you find that your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, consider talking with a mental health professional.

Summary

Situational depression occurs after experiencing a stressor or difficult life event and can result in symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Situational depression differs from other types of depression, as symptoms are typically short-term. However, when not addressed or treated, situational depression can turn into a longer-lasting form of depression, such as clinical depression.

Several treatment options for situational depression include:

• therapies, such as talk therapy and CBT
• medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and SNRIs

You can also consider lifestyle measures that can improve your overall health, such as:

• exercising
• eating a balanced diet
• practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation

Remember, you’re not alone, and reaching out for help is important. The earlier you address situational depression, the sooner you can feel better.