Not that long ago, people would describe times when they felt blue, a bit down, or just unhappy. These days, the rise in awareness around mental health has led many of us to label depressed periods in our lives, but are we depressed? Or are there just times when things suck, but that sadness will pass?
Major Differences
Most of us have experienced situational depression at some point. It might have been during a tough period in college, with no money and uncertainty about the future, or brought on by a breakup, divorce, or job loss. It can even be part of the grieving process after losing a loved one. What these experiences share is that they’re driven by external circumstances, and they eventually pass. They aren’t caused by some unknown chemical imbalance or broader pathology, but rather by the challenges life throws our way.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass. Depression (also called major depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.”
Situational depression, on the other hand, is a response to a life event; it has a clear cause, will last for a certain period of time, and then begin to dissipate.
Key Symptoms
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM-5, used to diagnose mental health conditions, defines MDD as 1) depressed mood most of the day nearly every day, 2) diminished interest in everyday activities, 3) significant weight change, 4) insomnia or hypersomnia, as well as restlessness, fatigue, trouble concentration feelings of worthlesness and recurrent thoughts of death. For a diagnosis to be made, clients have to meet 5 or more of these criteria.
Situational depression is not a DSM-5 diagnosis, but there is Adjustment Disorder, which describes the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within three months of its onset.
These symptoms must be clinically significant, either due to marked distress out of proportion to the stressor or significant impairment in functioning. The disturbance does not meet criteria for another disorder, is not normal bereavement, and symptoms resolve once the stressor or its consequences have ended.
Of course, it is not always black and white, and it is entirely possible to have depression that is affected or worsened by life events. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a psychologist or counsellor with the requisite online counselling degree who can understand exactly what you are going through.
Diagnosis and Differences
Most people have experienced a period of situational depression at some point. It might have been during university, when you were broke and unsure about your future, or following a breakup, divorce, or job loss. It’s even a common part of the grieving process after losing someone close. What links all of these scenarios is that they’re triggered by external circumstances, and they tend to resolve over time. They’re not the result of a so-called “chemical imbalance.”
As depression rates continue to rise, there’s a growing focus on how we differentiate between various mood-related conditions. Training programs, such as those for nurse practitioners, increasingly stress the importance of truly listening to patients to identify crucial distinctions that are often missed.
1. Duration
The DSM-5, which outlines standard criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions, sets the timeframe for diagnosing major depressive disorder (MDD) at just two weeks. This means if someone experiences a persistently low mood or loss of interest within that window, they can receive an MDD diagnosis. The problem is that someone with situational depression may meet these criteria temporarily, even though their symptoms could lift naturally as their situation improves.
2. Causes
It’s not always easy to determine why someone is feeling depressed. In some cases, people can’t pinpoint a cause and may assume it’s a result of brain chemistry. With situational depression, however, there’s typically a clear precipitating event, a significant life change or trauma. It’s an emotional response to real-life stress, rather than an ongoing internal condition.
Seeking the Right Help
Regardless of what you are going through, there is great benefit in treatments. If you are suffering from situational depression, support groups or therapy, particularly short-term cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also provide valuable assistance during tough times.
On the other hand, clinical depression usually requires more long-term treatment, often combining psychotherapy, like CBT, with certain medications. When someone is dealing with situational depression, offering patience, empathy, and consistent support can significantly improve their symptoms. Alongside professional help, engaging in activities that bring joy and practicing self-care can contribute to their well-being. It’s essential to recognize that each individual’s experience with depression is unique, and tailoring the approach to their needs is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
