Situational Depression: Causes, Advice, and Treatment

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 In my earlier posts, I spoke about my depression. I was never diagnosed with clinical depression, but I suffered from situational depression. You may be wondering what situational depression is, or why it's even called that. 

According to Healthline.com, situational depression is defined as: " short-term, stress-related type of depression. It can develop after you experience a traumatic event or series of events. Situational Depression is a type of adjustment disorder. It can make it hard for you to adjust your everyday life following a traumatic event. It is also known as reactive depression." 

Symptoms vary depending on age, gender, and situation. SD (situational depression) symptoms are: 

1) hopelessness

2) lack of focus

3) regular crying

4) feeling overwhelmed

5) Avoiding usual social interaction with people

6) the biggest one being thoughts and/or attempts of suicide

The list goes on for every, but there are few symptoms that many people-including myself- have suffered from. These symptoms are caused by a death in the family, job change, culture shock, feeling like an outsider, relationship problems, issues at school or work. The root of SD and symptoms do vary from person to person. SD can also be caused by other situations such as considerable stress throughout childhood, existing mental health problems, several overwhelming life circumstances happening at the same time. Also, eating disorders are another factor to put in as well.

How do I know if I have Situational Depression? 

It's not easy to know if you have it. I didn't know until later. I thought that I was just sad and that I had to sleep it off. A way to know is if you have emotional or behavioral symptoms for more than three months after a stressful life event. You feel more stressed out than normal after life event. Life events have more impacts on mental health, and physical health than many people realize. If you have ever experienced impactful, and stressful life events then you may have experienced situational depression. 

Treatment for Situational Depression

I have never taken medicines for my depression, but have taken more natural approaches. If you feel that your depression needs medical help, please consult a medical professional and they will give you the correct route to go through. Other ways that you could help yourself  is to exercise, establish good sleeping habits, get more rest and relaxation, talk about your feelings, if you believe in God, talk to a pastor. If you go to school, talk to your guidance counselor, if you're in college talk to your counseling center on campus. Eat more healthy foods, and strengthen your support system. This process will take a while, it will be hard, but it will be worth it. The first step is to realize that you need to find a support system. 

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