What Is Reactive Depression?

Dealing with depression can be quite challenging despite the disorder’s prevalence. It’s often hard to distinguish between feeling down and having actual depression. While everyone may go through periods of feeling low, persistent feelings of depression for two weeks or more could indicate a depressive disorder and may require professional treatment.

It’s important to note that there are various types of depressive disorders, including reactive depression, also known as “situational depression.” Understanding the nature of reactive depression and how it differs from regular depression can be helpful for those experiencing it or for those wanting to know more about depression disorders.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Some symptoms of depression can include:

Intense sadness
Morose moods
Not taking pleasure in things once found to be enjoyable
Loss of energy
Low motivation
Sleeping too much or too little
Overeating or eating too little

Reactive depression occurs when a person experiences emotional challenges that go beyond the usual range. In some cases, individuals showing symptoms of reactive depression may receive a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, which is a broad condition where a person’s mental health may decline during stressful events. In essence, reactive depression refers to becoming depressed, specifically in response to stressful situations. Other causes and triggers for reactive depression may include:

Legal or financial issues
Health problems
Depression after a surgery or procedure
A change in living situation
Loss of independence
New limitations that impact daily routines
Traumatic events
Periods of stress at work

What Causes Reactive Depression?

It has already been established that stressful situations trigger reactive depression. Therefore, occurrences like losing a job and experiencing a painful breakup would fit into that category. However, even positive events can induce stress, such as starting a new job or finding out about a pregnancy. It all comes down to how you manage the situation.

Signs and symptoms of reactive depression are very similar to the signs and symptoms of regular depression. To tell the difference, you should look at it through the lens of whether the person experiencing symptoms has these symptoms as a usual part of their day, or if it was potentially triggered by recent events. The signs and symptoms may include:

Withdrawing socially from family and friends
Skipping out on normal daily activities, responsibilities, or things once enjoyed
Poor performance at work or school
Brain fog or negative thinking
Hopelessness or wanting to give up
Unhealthy lifestyle changes (smoking, drinking, etc.)
Headaches and other physical pains
Weight loss or weight gain

What Can I Do About My Depression?

Is your depression regularly affecting your everyday routine? A professional can help talk you through the stressful periods in your life that may be triggering reactive depression. It may be a more generalized depression disorder than reactive depression. If you think your depression is more than a one-time event, you really should consider seeking a depression therapist.

You can easily find a reputable depression therapist in your area through a quick Internet search or even get a referral from your doctor. Depression is a condition that is not so easily diagnosed, as it has many factors and types. You could have reactive depression or a more generalized anxiety disorder. Try to ask yourself like, “Am I depressed often?” or, “Am I only depressed in certain situations?”

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Depression is not something to take lightly, go through alone, or try to treat by yourself. If you would like to learn more about depression and how it affects your daily habits, feel free to contact me.