Key Takeaways
Situational depression is a typically short-term form of depression triggered by a major life change or stressful event.
Symptoms of situational depression can feel just as painful and disruptive as clinical depression, even if they usually don’t last as long.
With the right support and coping strategies, you can learn to manage symptoms and regain a sense of balance.
Depression can take many forms. Sometimes, it feels like it comes out of nowhere. Other times, it happens in response to an upsetting situation, like the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship. This is sometimes called situational depression, reactive depression, or adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
Even though situational depression is different from clinical depression, its impact can be just as strong. For example, you may experience persistent sadness and have trouble sleeping. And if these feelings seem overwhelming, know that support is available. Working with a therapist can help you process what happened, rebuild your sense of control, and learn new ways to cope with stress.
What situational depression feels like
Situational depression feels like any other type of depression, but it typically lasts for a shorter period of time. However, sometimes, situational depression can become more long-lasting, or turn into more severe types of depression.
Some symptoms of situational depression include:
If you’re not sure if the pain you’re feeling is due to situational depression, talking to a mental health professional can help.
How it’s different from clinical depression
Clinical depression and situational depression share many symptoms. The major difference between the two is that clinical depression is a chronic, long-term condition. Situational depression, on the other hand, happens in reaction to some sort of trigger.
Clinically speaking, clinical depression is typically diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD). Situational depression is typically diagnosed [1] as adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
Usually, situational depression lasts for a shorter time than clinical depression. But it can be chronic and long-lasting. In some cases, situational depression can become more severe, to the point where you could receive a diagnosis of major depressive disorder instead. For example, even when the original trigger stops upsetting you, you might find that your low mood doesn’t go away.
What causes situational depression?
Any upsetting or stressful situation can trigger situational depression. Examples include:
Relationship changes, like divorce or a breakup
Job loss or financial stress
Moving
Personal or family illness
Experiencing a one-time traumatic event (like a natural disaster)
Grief and bereavement
What causes one person to experience depression may not be triggering for another. Anyone can experience situational depression, regardless of age, gender, or race.
But some people could be more likely to develop depression in general, including situational depression. Some factors that can raise your risk of depression [2] include:
Genetics and family history
Trauma, especially in early childhood
Certain brain differences
Living in poverty
Social isolation
Unhealthy substance use
How situational depression is managed
Situational depression may sometimes go away on its own — especially once the triggering situation has been resolved. For example, you might experience situational depression due to losing your job and being stressed about finances. But you might find that your symptoms naturally lift when you find a new job.
If you can’t resolve the situation, you can also try coping techniques and lifestyle changes, like:
It’s also OK to seek professional support. All types of depression, including situational depression, can be managed. For situational depression (adjustment disorder), therapy is usually the treatment of choice. A therapist can help you understand your triggers, build resilience, and find ways to manage your emotions as life changes.
If your depression symptoms are getting in the way of your functioning, medication may also be helpful. Some people take medication only for a short time, while others take it for years or even the rest of their lives. This is something you can talk about with your healthcare provider.
Clinician's take
When everything feels upside down, start small. Simple routines like getting dressed, eating breakfast, or stepping outside can remind you that life still has structure — and that you can handle what’s next.
Find care with Rula
Situational depression is a common experience. It’s a natural reaction to a painful situation that’s become too heavy to carry alone. With the right care and support, you can start to feel like yourself again.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 21,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
