At some point in our lives, we will suffer from depression through emotional stress. This could be derived from many external factors such as starting a new job, moving away from family, or having a baby. These events can cause feelings of sadness and fatigue but generally fade and pass in time but if these feelings become out of proportion, it may be possible you are suffering from reactive depression.
What Is Reactive Depression?
Reactive depression is also called situational depression, it is the same thing. Reactive depression is a mental health condition provoked by a specific external stressor. It manifests through signs of depression symptoms such as fatigue, lack of interest and motivation, or poor concentration among others.
These symptoms generally occur within three months of experiencing a stressful or traumatic event and last no more than six months. Health professionals may use the terms reactive depression, situational depression, or an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood.
How Reactive Depression Differs From Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders are different from reactive depression and include persistent depressive disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and others that have similar characteristics to reactive depression but can vary in duration and cause.
For example, major depressive disorder (MDD) does not require a specific external trigger and is an endogenous depression, meaning it is caused from within and for no apparent reason. This type of clinical depression is genetic and is also known as melancholic depression.
Although the two types of depression may be similar, the diagnostic criteria for MDD require that symptoms may be present within two weeks and can last longer than six months or may become a re-occurring condition.
On the other hand, reactive depression is not considered a major depressive disorder, but it is still a mental health problem that, if it becomes persistent, can turn into a major depression.
Signs And Symptoms Of Reactive Depression
Signs of reactive depression can be confused with signs of MDD and only a healthcare professional should evaluate and diagnose the condition. However, there are several signs and symptoms associated with reactive depression, including:
- Feeling sad and at a low end
- A sense of hopelessness
- Feeling guilt
- Lack of interest in most activities
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Lack of appetite or overeating
- Headaches or general body aches
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Reduced mobility
- Suicidal thoughts
Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, you are likely to be suffering from some sort of depression, but to determine if it is situational depression, you could assess if you have experienced any external trigger that may have had an impact on your thoughts and your symptoms should have significant distress that is not proportional to the severity of the external factor.
An example could be that someone has lost their job through no fault of their own and is struggling to find other employment while in the meantime they are suffering from financial difficulty. It would be normal for that person to feel despair, worry, and concern and may show signs of depression such as a lack of appetite, feelings of hopelessness, or little motivation but if these feelings turn into full-scale intensity with significant distress and are completely out of proportion to the problem, then it would appear the condition is reactive depression.
Causes Of Reactive Depression
There could be several external causes and triggers of reactive depression from suffering the impact of a natural disaster to having a baby. Any form of external stressor that impacts circumstances and makes it difficult to adjust to can lead to experiencing depression.
Common traumatic impacts can include:
- Either you or a loved one being diagnosed with a serious illness
- Death of someone you love
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Losing a job or being unemployed
- Financial strain
- Suffering from the impact of an accident
- Having a baby
- Moving away from familiar surroundings
Having to adjust to any major change in your life can prove challenging and when these challenges become overwhelming or a continuous struggle, these stressful events are the likely cause that triggers reactive depression.
Symptoms Of Situational Depression And Grief
Depressive symptoms of reactive depression and grief are very similar but coping with grief is a natural process.
Upon the death of a loved one, normally, a person experiences emotional strain and shows symptoms of depression such as deep sadness, lack of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, and more. To grieve the loss of someone, it takes time until the healing process can begin, and as bereavement is a normal emotion, depression is common but in time this will pass and symptoms will disappear.
However, when the grieving process becomes over-extended and out of proportion to what is normally expected, this can develop into what is known as situation depression or reactive depression.
There is no timescale for grief as every person is unique and reacts differently to traumatic events. How quickly they can adjust to life-changing circumstances is a very personal process but generally, less than six months would be an average indication.
Is There Treatment For Reactive Depression?
If you are struggling with depression and the symptoms are more persistent or more severe, you should primarily seek medical help. Your doctor or healthcare provider will assess the symptoms and ask several questions so a correct diagnosis can be made.
Depression is a mental health condition but can be treated favourably through prescribed medication and psychotherapy.
Prescribed medication generally involves certain inhibitors and antidepressants, and it is important to take the medication exactly as it is intended and how it should be administered in the prescription. You should consult with your doctor if you experience any adverse reaction or if your symptoms worsen, and you may be offered a different type of medication.
Psychotherapy is beneficial for understanding external stressors that may have caused developing depression and how you process thoughts about a certain event. A qualified therapist can offer emotional support and help in developing different techniques to cope with stress or other mental health issues you are experiencing.
Other Help For Reactive Depression
Experiencing reactive depression is unpleasant, and mood disorders can be challenging, but in addition to reactive depression treatment from your doctor, you may also try using other treatment options you can do yourself.
Coping strategies are proven techniques that can help treat depression and promote a feeling of well-being. You could try some of these self-help techniques:
Depression Symptoms And Physical Activity
Physical exercise can improve depression symptoms as when a person engages in physical activity, the brain releases endorphin chemicals that stimulate and boost mood levels and can alleviate pain. When the mood is heightened, it produces a sense of well-being that distracts the mind from negative thoughts or stressful situations. Taking regular walks, attending a gym workout, or practicing yoga are good methods for participating in physical activity.
Making Time For Yourself
Constantly feeling down is not good for self-esteem, and getting into a rut is not going to help with depression. It may be an effort, but self-care is important in promoting overall health.
Eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, relaxing, and enjoying simple activities or hobbies are all beneficial for treating reactive depression. Even having a nice hot bath, pampering oneself at the hairdresser, or buying a new outfit can boost morale and favour mental stimulation.
Finding Support
Depression often leads a person to feel isolated, which is negative for overcoming the condition and sometimes is intentional as a person wallows in their depressive state. Changing the situation and finding support is a huge contribution and is well-recommended by counsellors and therapists.
Interacting with family and friends can avoid isolation and allows you to receive emotional support from them and help you to process your feelings. If you prefer not to approach family members or friends, you may consider participating in support groups where you can connect with other people suffering from the same condition and exchange experiences. Knowing you are not alone is key to finding ways to cope better with this type of depression.
Expert Treatment Of Reactive Depression
PROMIS is a world-class rehab centre and one of the main leaders in treating a wide range of conditions, from mental health to substance abuse. We treat many types of depression through our comprehensive depression treatment programmes and have a strong team of highly qualified professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in their field of treatment.
If you would like us to provide you with a free assessment, contact us today, and our friendly staff will offer you guidance and advice. Nobody should have to suffer alone, as we understand how difficult overcoming depression can be. Allow us to take you by the hand and help you overcome this terrible mental health disorder. Call now and see how we can make your life healthier and happier.
