Treatment For Situational Depression
Situational depression treatment is important, as situational depression can potentially turn into a clinical depression in individuals who have risk factors for developing a mood disorder. Situational depression can also elevate a persons risk for suicide and can lead to substance abuse if a person uses alcohol or drugs to help manage their symptoms. More mild cases of situational depression may not require treatment, as symptoms may resolve themselves.
Psychotherapy is the preferred method of treatment for situational depression and can help a person to understand and process how a stressor has impacted their lives. Therapy can help a person to problem-solve and provide them with healthy coping skills, interventions, and techniques. Support groups may also be recommended for a person struggling with situational depression, as extra support and validation can be received from others who are experiencing similar challenges.
At times, situational depression medication may be prescribed to help individuals to manage feelings of sadness, sleeping difficulties or anxiety. Antidepressant medications or anti-anxiety medications are most often prescribed by medical providers.
With proper treatment, most individuals are able to successfully overcome situational depression. Situational depression often resolves with the passage of time, as circumstances improve and when the person learns how to manage the triggering stressor.
Depression Vs Clinical Depression Treatment Options
Clinical Depression is commonly treated using medications called antidepressants. Some of the most popular antidepressants include:
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
These antidepressants act on certain neurotransmitters to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Neurotransmitters are specialized chemicals that control everything from mood, hormone release, muscle movement, and gland activation.
Neurotransmitters come in two basic types: excitatory, and inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters may be considered your get up and go chemicals. They initiate brain signals that cause increased activity in your brain and nervous system.
Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that energizes your brain and nervous system. Norepinephrine can cause euphoric feelings and is associated with hyperactivity, heightened blood pressure, and anxiety attacks.
Low norepinephrine levels can cause depression-like symptoms, including lack of concentration , and lethargy. It can also cause ADHD . This is why some antidepressants are designed to increase norepinephrine levels.
However, 33% of the people who take antidepressants to treat depression will continue to experience symptoms.
Situational Depression Or Clinical Depression
Situational depression or clinical depression?Get Your Quick Destroy Depression Program: http://healthline24h.com/depressionDestroy Depression Program Is a 7 Step Program which uses Behavioral Therapy, Diet, Exercise and Goal Setting to help alleviate depression symptoms. Yes, Depression can be cured without Drugs!! This is help for Depression for Teenagers, Men and Women. Learn how to fight Depression and win!!Proven and Effective: Comes with a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee.Download Destroy Depression Program: http://healthline24h.com/depression======================================================Everyone feels sadness. It is a natural human emotion. However, clinical depression is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on every part of life.
Read Also: Am I Crazy Or Depressed
How Is Situational Depression Diagnosed
If a doctor thinks you may have situational depression or adjustment disorder symptoms, youll undergo a physical exam and answer questions about your medical and mental health history.
As with any mental illness, doctors diagnose situational depression using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders .
Symptoms of situational depression emerge after a traumatic or difficult life event.
If you experience five or more symptoms from the below list almost every day in a two-week period, after you experience something difficult or painful, then you may receive a situational depression diagnosisas long as at least one of the symptoms is a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
- Depressed mood or constant irritability
- Significantly reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- A decrease or increase in appetite
- Insomnia or an increased desire to sleep
- Restlessness or slowed behavior
- Tiredness or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Trouble making decisions or concentrating
- Recurrent thoughts of death or a suicide attempt
Usually, these symptoms impact your life significantly, to the point where youre not able to function normally.
Signs Of Clinical Depression
Major depressive disorder and the depressive phase of bipolar often show different signs or symptoms. Below, weve listed the most common signs of clinical depression, both physical and emotional, for each type of clinical depression.
Major depressive disorder is what people typically think of when they hear the term depression. This type affects how you think, feel, and behave. People experiencing major depressive disorder often have multiple episodes where symptoms can be more severe and last nearly every day for at least two consecutive weeks. These symptoms include but are not limited to the following:
- Sadness and feelings of emptiness
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies, work, or other activities
- Appetite changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling slow-moving
- Problems making decisions or making poor decisions
- Thinking about suicide or attempting suicide
- Physical symptoms such as body aches, upset stomach, and/or headaches
Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 800-273-8255 or visit this website for immediate help.
Depression can sometimes be a feature of another mental health disorder known as bipolar disorder. People who are struggling with bipolar disorder alternate between episodes of severe sadness and periods of extremely elevated moods or mania.
- Increased energy
- Poor judgment or decision-making
Also Check: The Causes Of Depression Do Not Include
This Article Is A Complete Depression Vs Clinical Depression Comparison Including History Definitions Symptoms Treatment Options And Much More
Sadness is a normal part of life. Periods of sadness can follow traumatic experiences, like the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a debilitating accident.
But what is the difference between periods of sadness and an episode of clinical depression? What are the other symptoms of clinical depression, and when should you start looking for treatment options? More importantly, can short term depression make you more prone to clinical depression, and, if so, how?
This article answers these questions and reveals how modern doctors are safely and effectively treating depression without medication.
NOTE: Throughout this article, you will find the terms clinical depression and major depression disorder used interchangeably. Youll also find the terms depression, reactive depression, low-grade depression, and situational depression used to describe non-clinical depression.
Prevalence Of Situational Depression
Situational depression is one of the most commonly used diagnosis in clinical practice, but is understudied and has limited research. Situational depression statistics show that the disorder is extremely common and impacts people regardless of culture, gender or age.
Situational depression is equally prevalent in men and women and varies in development and expression in different cultures. The prevalence of situational depression diagnosed in primary care facilities ranges from 3-10%, while the prevalence ranges from 5-20% in outpatient mental health treatment facilities and 50% or higher in-hospital psychiatric screenings.
Situational depression statistics show that there is a 1-2% prevalence of situational depression in the general population in the United States. Another study shows that the prevalence of situational depression in a multinational study is 0.2-1%
Also Check: Best Depression Meds For Anxiety
Personality Traits Or Disorders
Individuals who suffer from personality traits or disorders like negative emotionality/neuroticism, positive emotionality/extraversion, conscientiousness, low self-esteem, and are introverted are at a higher risk of being clinically depressed.
Most people develop these traits or disorders due to genetics or trauma from early life experiences.
What Is An Adjustment Disorder
Each and every human has been through some sort of traumatic or stressful event in life, but luckily most of them are able to cope with it rather promptly. However, when a person is unable to move past their traumas and continues dwelling on them, it can in turn impact their emotions and behaviors in an adverse manner. This is when an adjustment disorder originates. It is triggered when a major, out-of-the-ordinary alteration occurs in a persons life, provoking distress, and issues with adjusting and adapting to the situation.
This prolonged negative reaction is unhealthy, extreme, and harmful for a persons mental stability and peace, and usually, the reaction is far more intense than the situation would elicit in a healthy individual. On top of personal life, social life can also become a victim to it as it starts meddling with everyday life and activities.
You May Like: What Does Chronic Depression Mean
Key Difference Depression Vs Clinical Depression
Depression and Clinical depression refer to two terms used in psychology between which some differences can be discerned. First let us have a look at the term Depression. Depression in psychological terms is a psychological condition that requires medical treatment. Depression should not be confused with sadness or hopelessness as it goes much deeper that either of these emotions. Depression is an umbrella term used to refer to different types of depression. On the other hand, Clinical depression refers to a specific type of depression also known as major depressive disorder. This is the key difference between the two words. This article attempts to clarify the difference between depression and clinical depression
Diagnosis Of Situational Depression
In order to be diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood, these symptoms must also cause marked distress and/or significant impairment in important areas of life functioning.
While situational depression tends to be less severe and not as pervasive as major depressive disorder, this does not make the condition any less “real.” Situational depression challenges well-being and can make functioning in daily life difficult.
You May Like: Depression Who Can I Talk To
When To See A Doctor
If your situational depression lasts longer than a few weeks and doesnât seem to get better, talk to a doctor or professional therapist.
They can help you figure out if youâre going through a rough patch of sadness or if itâs situational or clinical depression.
A therapist can give you space to talk about what youâre going through and create a treatment plan that includes a combination of support, education, and coping tools. They may recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
To find a therapist, talk to your primary care doctor or visit the National Association of Mental Illness at nami.org.
Show Sources
What Is Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is also known as major depressive disorder. This is regarded as one of the commonest depressive disorders. The main obstacle that a person with clinical depression faces is the inability to go one with his daily routine. The person has difficulty in working, sleeping, eating and enjoying his life. The person usually feels depressed most of the time of the day, and this occurs almost every day. Some of the common symptoms that can be diagnosed are suicidal thoughts, weight gain or weight loss, lack of energy, feelings worthless, difficulty in concentrating and difficulty to sleep.
Psychologists advise that if at least five of the symptoms are visible for a period of two weeks or more the individual requires medical attention.
You May Like: Best Depression Books To Read
The Difference Between Situational Depression And Clinical Depression
The definition of situationaldepression and clinical depression varies with people. For some, situational depression can be stress after traumatic events such as losing a job or getting dumped by a lover. This type of depression is usually mild and lasts for a shorter period.
On the other hand, clinical depression is a severe type of depression that may last longer than a couple of weeks. It needs specific treatments that include medications withantidepressants and psychotherapy.
Most of the symptoms of these two types are similar, but both of them are different medical conditions. Understanding that difference is your first step towards getting the right help.
In medical terms, situational depression is known as a disorder caused by depressed mood. It is time-specific, and just talking about the issue can boost the recovery process.
Clinical depression is a severe mental disorder. If one does not get rid of situational depression on time, it may lead to clinical depression, and medically, it is seen as a serious mental health issue.
Treatments For Clinical Depression
When comparing situational depression vs. clinical depression, youll find that there are some differences in treatment options. Treatments for clinical depression will vary depending on the severity of an individuals symptoms.
People suffering from depression can seek professional help as well as adopt certain self-care practices in their everyday lives. Below, weve compiled a list of some of the common ways an individual can get treated for clinical depression.
Talking Treatments
One of the most beneficial and common treatments for clinical depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . This type of therapy works to help you understand your thoughts and behaviors and how they affect your mood and lifestyle.
A key element in CBT is to recognize that events in your life may have shaped you, but concentrating on how you can change the ways you think, feel, and behave in the present is what will help you recover. This happens by learning how to overcome negative thoughts and challenge negative feelings.
Typically, its recommended that someone sees a therapist once a week or once every two weeks. Each session can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and there could be a total of 5 to 20 sessions total. However, its important to remember that the duration of CBT varies with each individual based on the severity of their depression.
Medication
Combination Therapy
You May Like: Birth Control That Doesn T Cause Depression
Symptoms Of Situational Depression
Situational depression symptoms are similar to the symptoms of clinical depression and vary from person to person. Symptoms always portray a significant change from a persons general state of functioning. Symptoms can either be emotional, physical or behavioral in nature. Children and teenagers often act out and show more behavioral symptoms, while adults commonly display more emotional symptoms.
Signs of situational depression can include:
- Sadness and frequent tearfulness
- Detachment and isolation from others
- Fatigue and a lack of energy
- Disrupted eating and sleeping habits
- Heart palpitations
When Should You Seek Help
Talk to your doctor if you experience sadness for longer than two weeks. And call emergency services to receive immediate medical help if youre having suicidal thoughts.
Note if your feelings interfere with your ability to function, take part in life, or experience enjoyment. Speaking to a professional, like a therapist, clergy member, or other trusted person, can be a powerful first step toward recovery.
Read Also: Treatment Centers For Depression And Anxiety In Florida
Can You Explain The Difference Between Situational Depression And Clinical Depression
Those terms can have different meaning to different people.
To some people situational depression means depression that comes on after a stressful or traumatic eventfor example, ending a relationship or losing a job. Other people use the term situational depression to refer to depression that is milder or shorter in duration.
The first definition of situational depression doesnt tell us much about a recommended treatment. There is a traditional belief that depression following a stressful or traumatic event is more psychological than biological, in which case psychotherapy would be recommended over medication. But the evidence does not support that belief: both psychotherapy and medication are effective for the treatment of depression, whether it follows a specific event or not.
The second definition of situational depression, meaning milder or more transient depression, would be important in recommending treatment. Any specific treatmentmedication or psychotherapyis most clearly helpful when depression is more severe and longer-lasting. Depression that is mild or brief will often improve with time and good self-care. For milder or shorter-term depression, treatment with medication or psychotherapy is often not necessary however, depression that is more severe and longer in duration is less likely to improve without specific treatment. We usually recommend psychotherapy and antidepressant medication for depression that is especially severe or long-lasting.
Situational Depression Symptoms Causes And Treatment
6 min read
As opposed to clinical depression, medically known as major depressive disorder, situational depression is a type of adjustment disorder. It is usually short-term and associated with stress and stressful situations. According to statistics, this subtype of depression can impact people of all ages, genders, races, and nationalities. A prevalence rate of around 1-2% of situational depression was recorded among the general population of the US.
This article relates a detailed account of Situational Depression and Adjustment disorder? Along with its symptoms, causes, and trusted treatment methods.
You May Like: Vyvanse For Depression In Adults
How To Know The Differences
How do we determine the types of depression and the difference between situational depression and clinical depression . This is a very important question because the cause of our depressive state will determine the therapy. Both situational and clinical depression share a common bundle of symptoms. Feeling the blues, loss of appetite or increased appetite, change in sex drive, trouble sleeping, lack of energy, apathy, problems concentrating, feelings of guilt, physical pain, agitation, feelings of hopelessness. Distinguishing symptoms that are more closely associated with CD are suicidal thoughts, symptoms occurring for no apparent reason, symptoms that are not an appropriate response to the stress level and a family history of depression. These are indicators that the depressive disorder may be clinical depression.
Situational Depression: Signs Symptoms & Treatment
Depression is incredibly common: every year, more than 16 million American adults experience a major depressive episode.
While most types of depression occur due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, situational depressionalso known as adjustment disorder or reactive depressionis a type of depression that takes place after a traumatic or difficult life event.
Situational depression symptoms can mirror other kinds of depression, causing you to feel sad, anxious, or disinterested in normal activities.
If these symptoms interfere with your everyday functioning, a doctor might diagnose you with situational depression and recommend medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes to help you cope.
Usually, situational depression resolves with time as you recover from the triggering event.
But sometimes, situational depression can be more severe and persistent. Thats why its so important to seek medical care if you suspect you have situational depression.
Read Also: Natural Ways To Treat Depression