Situational Depression
Definition
Also known as an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood, situational depression is a prolonged episode of "the blues" that may occur after a disappointment or loss or during mid-life.
Situational depression is not the same as normal grieving after the death of a loved one, illness, or other misfortune, although it may be triggered by such an event.
Depression also may be a side effect of certain medications, particularly in a person who tends toward depression.
Symptoms
- Sense of helplessness and gloom.
- Grief.
- Loss of self-esteem.
- Feeling that life is meaningless.
- Anxiety or worry.
- Irritability.
- Retreat from relationships with others.
Conventional Treatment
Situational depression may decrease when the problem that triggered it fades. On the other hand, you may become so depressed that there is a risk of suicide. Consequently, it is important to provide emotional support.
At first, when you are acutely depressed, psychotherapy can provide that support while antidepressant medication helps to relieve the symptoms. Then, when the symptoms improve, psychotherapy can help you understand why the depression occurred: Are there solutions to your external life problems that might prove less stressful? Did the episode that triggered the depression recall a childhood conflict long buried in your unconscious? Do you have low self-esteem, view the situation as hopeless, or feel uncomfortable expressing negative feelings such as hostility or anger? Would a change of scenery or routine be helpful?
A professional may recommend one of several different types of therapy in the case of depression. Cognitive therapy can help you view your situation differently by identifying and testing self-defeating ways of thinking about it (negative cognitions). For example, if you tend to be pessimistic, you are likely to suffer from feelings of hopelessness. If you expect failure, you may be apathetic and unwilling to exert yourself. Once the therapist has helped you to identify these thinking patterns, you can develop new approaches to the situation.
Family therapy can help you improve your marriage or family life or both, so that the depression does not adversely affect other family members and the family members do not contribute further to your depression.
Other Types of Depression
Depression
Major Depressive Disorder
Manic-Depressive Illness
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Suicide (Potential)